Hope Hicks v. Maersk Line, Limited | Midshipman Y v. Maersk Line, Limited
Case type:
Criminal/Sexual Violence and
Gender Discrimination
Filed in: Supreme Court of the State of New York, Nassau County
Docket: TBD
Case Summary
The complaints allege that Maersk Line, owner and operator of commercial cargo vessels, violated the Jones Act, General Maritime Law, and anti-discrimination laws by failing to adequately protect two female students from sexual assault and sexual harassment while they worked aboard the Maersk M/V Alliance Fairfax as part of the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy’s “Sea Year” program.
The complaints further allege that, despite being aware of the history of sexual assault and harassment on its ships, Maersk failed to institute adequate safety and prevention measures. As a result, during their Sea Years cadet Hope Hicks was raped by her superior officer and the cadet who goes by the moniker “Midshipman Y” was subjected to extreme sexual harassment by a crewmember.
Procedural History
- June 14, 2022 – Complaints filed by Sanford Heisler Sharp and Maritime Legal Solutions, PLLC against Maersk Line, Limited on behalf of Hope Hicks and Midshipman Y, respectively, alleging violations of the Jones Act, General Maritime Law, and anti-discrimination laws.
News Coverage
- CNN – "Two students sue Maersk, alleging sexual assault and harassment"
- The Washington Post – “U.S. cadets suing shipping company, alleging rape and harassment at sea”
- Business Insider –"A merchant navy cadet is suing Maersk, saying the company failed to protect her from rape and sexual harassment on board one of its ships"
- The Maritime Executive – "'Midshipman X’ Reveals Her Identity in Suit Against Maersk Line Ltd.”
- Lloyd's List –"Sexual abuse and harassment 'systemic' on ships"