A fisherman who was permanently disabled after the fishing vessel he was on ran aground is suing the captain, alleging he acted negligently.
Vance Evan Eldridge of Hampden filed a lawsuit against Gary Eaton, who was captain of the fishing vessel Mygraine II that ran aground in July 2023. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in U.S. District Court of Maine in Bangor, alleges Eaton was negligent in his actions.
Eldridge is permanently disabled as a result of the crash, according to the lawsuit. He is asking a judge to award an unspecified monetary amount in part for maintenance and cure — which is a long-standing law that guarantees payment for daily living expenses for someone injured at sea — as well as payment for medical expenses.
The lawsuit alleges Eaton acted negligently and with unseaworthiness.
Eaton could not be reached for comment. Eldridge’s attorney did not respond to a request for comment by time of publication.
The crash happened early on July 25, 2023, while Eldridge was resting in his bunk on the Mygraine II. Eaton was taking the boat out to offshore lobster traps, according to the lawsuit.
Eaton put the boat on auto-pilot instead of “staying attentive at the wheel,” the lawsuit said. The boat “abruptly crashed into a rock lodge” and was grounded.
It was then towed to shore by Eaton’s son, according to the lawsuit.
After the crash, Eldridge received emergency medical care and had follow up appointments at the VA Clinic and Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital.
Eldridge suffered a traumatic brain injury, concussion, post-concussion syndrome, spine strain and a bruised spine in the crash. Afterward, he was found to be permanently and totally disabled with PTSD, major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, according to the lawsuit.
Eldridge will not be able to return to commercial fishing because of his injuries, the lawsuit said. He has lost earnings and will continue to lose them.
