SEATTLE (CN) - Six crew members of the Alaska Ranger, which sank in the Bering Sea in March, have sued the ship's owner, claiming the Ranger lacked water tight-doors and adequate survival suits. They also claim that the Fishing Company of Alaska failed to provide "competent and sober officers."
The Coast Guard is investigating alleged safety violations on the ship, and allegations of alcohol use by officers and crew members, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported.
Five crew members died in the sinking - one after falling from a rescue basket being pulled into a Coast Guard helicopter.
Forty-two survivors were rescued. All plaintiffs are represented by H.L. George Knowles, in King County Court.
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