Justice4Mariners represents seafarers, maritime workers, and passengers in complex injury, assault, harassment, and wrongful death cases — against the biggest companies in the world.
As Seen In
Attorney Ryan Melogy shares his journey from sailing on cargo ships to fighting for the rights of seafarers worldwide.
Read Ryan’s Biotrending_flat“I am a survivor of a situation in which no one wanted to listen, much less help me, until I found Ryan. From that moment on, my life changed. He not only listened to me and helped me; most importantly, he was the first person who truly believed in me. Because of him, I am still standing here, with my head held high.”
Vanessa, Former Client
“I am grateful for the time I spent working with Ryan on my case and very glad that I found him. He genuinely listens and brings a balance of empathy and professionalism to his work. During a period when my mental health was in a very fragile place, his support made a great difference, and I honestly don't believe I could've gotten through the process without him.”
Jane Doe #1, Former Client
“After being sexually harassed by the captain of my ship, I struggled to find anyone willing to help me or even take my case seriously. Ryan understood what I went through and knew the industry from the inside, which made all the difference. He stood by me throughout the process, pursued accountability, and ultimately helped me reach a resolution. I felt heard, respected, and supported every step of the way.”
Ashley, Former Client
Historic maritime sexual assault case that rocked Maersk and the global maritime industry. Ryan Melogy helped Midshipman Hope Hicks come forward to achieve justice and much needed change.
Status: confidential settlement
The first maritime sex trafficking case litigated under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act; created legal precedent used by survivors across the country.
Status: confidential settlement
Crew member was assaulted in her bed aboard a flag-of-convenience yacht in the Caribbean. We arrested the vessel in S. Florida and filed suit, eventually achieving substantial justice for our client.
Status: confidential settlement
“This is a really difficult thing to do, to hold a captain accountable. We hope this case serves as a warning to people who are thinking about doing this kind of thing; that people know that there is accountability.”
Ryan Melogy, AttorneyThe Wall Street JournalSEPTEMBER 22, 2024“"They are being flooded with reports," said Ryan Melogy, a maritime lawyer who has represented harassment victims including Hicks”
Ryan Melogy, AttorneyCNNMARCH 16, 2023““Two years after her time at sea, Hicks decided she needed to do something. Sitting at a desk in the barracks one night, she typed out the details of her alleged assault and sent it to Ryan Melogy, a former mariner who became an attorney and outspoken advocate for reform in the industry after allegedly experiencing sexual misconduct himself. He ran a blog and Instagram account that had been attracting increasing attention in the maritime industry, and she told him he could publish her story.””
Ryan Melogy, AttorneyRyan Melogy is one of the most widely recognized maritime attorneys in the United States. A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and UVa. Law, he sailed on 22 cargo ships and holds a Chief Mate's license. After experiencing abuse at sea and having his report covered up by Maersk, Ryan became a high-profile whistleblower. On behalf of his clients, he has taken on Maersk, Crowley, CMA-CGM, the U.S. Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and many other powerful companies and institutions. Ryan drove passage of the Safer Seas Act, and through his work as a whistleblower, activist, and attorney, is credited with changing the culture of the U.S. maritime industry and how it handles sexual assault and abuse at sea. CNN has called him "a one-man watchdog of the maritime industry."
Nothing upfront — and nothing at all unless we win. We work exclusively on contingency, meaning our fee comes from the recovery, not from you. If we don't win, you don't pay. Your initial consultation is completely free and strictly confidential. When you hire Justice4Mariners, you get Ryan and the legal team he builds for your specific case — at no extra cost to you.
Ryan Melogy serves as the lead strategist and architect on every case. He routinely partners with leading maritime law firms and trial lawyers across the country and around the world to build the strongest possible legal team for each client's specific situation. This approach allows us to take on the most complex cases against the most powerful defendants — and win. His network is your advantage, at no extra cost to you.
No. We handle all types of maritime injury and abuse cases — including Jones Act injuries, wrongful death, sexual harassment, serious cases of bullying and psychological abuse, retaliation, and serious accidents at sea. Sexual assault is a type of maritime injury, and we approach every case the same way: Ryan serves as lead strategist, builds the strongest possible legal team, and pursues full accountability. Our high-profile abuse cases reflect our reputation, but our commitment extends to every mariner who has been wronged or injured at sea.
You have real legal options, and more of them than you may realize. Maritime survivors can pursue civil claims against the vessel owner, the company, and in some cases the U.S. government — regardless of your nationality, where the assault occurred, or what flag the vessel flies. But you must act quickly. Statutes of limitations are strict and may bar delayed claims.
Maybe. You do not have to have been physically assaulted for your experience to be legally significant. We have achieved significant settlements for clients who were sexually harassed without being physically assaulted. Persistent unwanted conduct, hostile work environments, and retaliation for reporting are all serious legal matters under maritime law. The maritime industry has a long history of covering these things up — Justice4Mariners has spent years exposing those cover-ups and holding companies accountable.
Psychological abuse aboard a vessel — persistent intimidation, humiliation, threats, and isolation by superiors — is a serious and underrecognized form of maritime harm. The impact of this conduct is amplified at sea, where you cannot leave, cannot easily report, and are entirely dependent on the people abusing you. Courts are increasingly recognizing the severity of psychological harm in maritime cases. If you have experienced this, your situation deserves serious legal attention.
That fear is completely understandable — and it is one of the reasons Justice4Mariners exists. The maritime industry can seem small and interconnected. Retaliation can be real. Isolation at sea makes speaking up even harder. Ryan has been through it himself — he was a whistleblower who had his own report covered up by Maersk. Every consultation is completely confidential. Coming forward does not commit you to anything. You can talk to us, understand your options, and decide what is right for you at your own pace.
If you are, that retaliation can be a legal violation. Under U.S. law, the Seaman's Protection Act protects maritime workers who report injuries, unsafe conditions, or misconduct. Retaliation can take many forms — termination, reduced hours, hostile treatment, denied promotions, or pressure to stay quiet. If you believe you have been retaliated against for reporting an injury or abuse, document everything and contact us immediately.
You may still have legal options. Justice4Mariners has successfully pursued claims against Military Sealift Command and other U.S. government maritime entities, but these cases are fact specific and the statutes of limitations are short and strict. Cases involving federal agencies or government vessels are more complex and require specific legal strategies, but they can be won.
Yes. Maritime law has broad international reach. Your specific legal rights may depend on your citizenship or the flag on the vessel, but Justice4Mariners handles cases across the United States and around the world. If you were harmed at sea, it is worth having a confidential conversation about your options regardless of where you are from or where it happened.
