A crewmember’s legs were amputated after he fell off a barge November 10 near Port Canaveral, Fl.

The U.S. Coast Guard said the unidentified man, who they believed worked as the captain aboard the Paula Lee dredge barge, went overboard in the middle of the port’s channel and struck a propeller.  He suffered from “bi-lateral double amputation below the knee,” according to the Fire-Rescue crews.

He was airlifted to the Holmes Regional Medical Center, where his condition is currently unknown.

The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the circumstances around this accident.

“This is another incident where he fell in the water, he had a life jacket on. He lost presumably both his legs, he could have lost his life had he not had a life jacket on,” Coast Guard Petty Officer Steven Lehmann told Fox 35 Orlando News.

Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P. Partner and Maritime Attorney Matthew D. Shaffer is experienced with maritime amputation cases.

“Having represented many workers over the past 50 years, the attorneys at SMSH are familiar with the challenges that this seaman faces as he begins his recovery,” Shaffer said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out the man and his family at this difficult time.”

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