Many Louisiana residents around the Gulf of Mexico may be familiar with seeing cargo ships. While these cargo ships and barges are vital to American commerce, there is an alarmingly high rate of accidents that are experienced on board these huge vessels. Maritime injuries and accidents are very serious.

Government officials have promised a speedy response following a cargo ship accident that destroyed part of the heavily traveled Eggner Ferry Bridge. The ship was carrying rocket parts from Alabama and was destined for Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Situations such as these generally call into question compliance with maritime law, an occurrence that is particularly common in major shipping locations such as Louisiana. Even though no injuries occurred, drivers along the bridge experienced several close calls. One man stopped only a few feet short of the gaping hole in the bridge, noticing just in time that a section of road was missing.

Crew members were also shaken by the experience, with a contingency remaining on board after the accident to inspect for damage to both the boat and its cargo. Reports indicate that the cargo remained intact despite the jarring accident. The ship was carrying rocket components that permit the launch of NASA and private companies' space satellites.

Reports indicate that the bridge's navigational lights were fully functional, and the cause of the accident is still unclear. Crew members and civilians can often be harmed through the negligence of supervisors or coworkers. For example, the captain may have not been aware of the height of the bridge, or other information might have been overlooked. Equipment malfunction on the boat itself can also play a role in these dangerous events.

Government spokespeople indicated that a prompt review of options will occur to speed the replacement of this important thoroughfare.

Source: CBS News, "Ship carrying rocket parts hits Ky. bridge," Jan. 27, 2012