Coastal tugboat deckhand and Georgia native Danny Williams, 32, was killed offshore of Tybee Island while doing his job in July, 2016. Danny was a part of the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP, begun in 2015), which includes dredging the Savannah River to a depth of 47 feet and extending the channel an additional 18.5 miles into the open ocean. Danny’s mother, Arden Williams, through her attorneys, Raley & Raley, P.C., filed a lawsuit against Danny’s employer. Ms. Williams was able to conclude the case against the tug company fairly and promptly.
After the incident leading to Danny’s death, Ms. Williams wrote to Danny’s fellow mariners: “He was someone who loved to laugh and make others laugh, too. He loved cooking for his crews and family members, and he secretly valued the praise he received for preparing a good meal. He loved making new friends at work. Friendship was important to him and he never forgot any of his friends at work or home…People have asked me how I have been able to get through this difficult time and I have said it is because of the outpouring of support I have received from Danny’s fellow mariners. So to all of you, I offer heartfelt thanks and extreme gratitude. I am so happy that Danny touched your lives. I hope that his light continues to shine as you make your way. My thoughts will always be with you. So please stay safe on all your journeys.”
