JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Lobbyists for the American shipbuilding industry released a statement on Tuesday, saying it's unfair to blame a U.S. law called the Jones Act for the sinking of El Faro.
That law requires ships operating between two U.S. Ports be U.S. Built.
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The shipbuilders group said there have been media reports suggesting that the law prevents companies from purchasing less costly foreign ships which in effect keeps them from replacing ships more often and avoiding accidents.
"To imply that vessels that do not have to comply with rigorous U.S. safety standards are safe than those that do defies common sense," said Matthew Paxton, President of Shipbuilders Council of America, in a statement on the SCA website. "To try and connect a law that works to protect our economic and national security to this tragedy, particularly during a period when our industry family is mourning such a loss is not only incorrect, but shameful."