Effects of Galveston Bay Oil Spill Linger On

It has been two weeks since the Galveston Bay oil spill, in which two ships collided causing 168,000 gallons of fuel oil to spill out. And now the longer lasting effects of that catastrophic event are surfacing. Officials now say that over 300 shorebirds died from this catastrophic event and more are expected to surface soon. Moreover, the Texas Department of State Health Services also issued an advisory on not eating shellfish and other seafood from the Bay. Late last week, one shrimp boat captain found that his entire catch of shrimp was coated in oil. Restaurants along the Bay have already noticed a sharp decrease in shrimp and oyster sales. Prices for oysters have skyrocketed as restaurateurs are forced to buy from neighboring states like Louisiana. Linda Speth, owner of Emery’s Restaurant on the Kemah Boardwalk stated, “[the spill is] going to put fishermen on welfare because they can’t make a living.”

Moreover, the cargo ship, the Summer Wind, which collided with the Kirby barge, was seized on Friday afternoon at the request of attorney Sean O’Rourke. Arguello Law Firm is proud to be working with Mr. O’Rourke and his partner Nick Simon in handling these cases.

If you own a business or are part of the hundreds of shoreline workers whose financial situation has been impacted by this catastrophe, please call or email us for a free consult today. We have a team of experienced attorneys and staff who are familiar with the hardships an oil spill of this nature can cause.  Let us be your voice in getting you what you deserve.