Federal investigators believe a towboat captain’s cell phone use was a key factor in chain of collisions last year on the Lower Mississippi River.
The towboat Loretta G. Cenac was falling back behind another towboat as the Greek-flagged bulk carrier Aris T approached at 1954 on Jan. 31. The ship missed the tow, but it struck several vessels and structures along the left descending bank. The incident at mile marker 125 near Norco, La., caused nearly $60 million in damage and injured two dock workers.
“Had the captain on the Loretta G. Cenac been focused on his navigational duties instead of on the communication with his girlfriend at 1947, the images on the vessel’s radar and electronic chart would likely have raised his awareness of the dangerous traffic situation that was developing,” the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident report said.
Investigators also found the Aris T pilot “had the opportunity as early as 1940 to identify the traffic situation developing upriver and assess the need for action on his part.”
The 753-foot bulker was heading upriver to a grain terminal with a New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association pilot on board. The weather was clear and cool, with a river current of 3 to 4 knots.
The ship cleared the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge in Luling, La., at 1928. Nine miles ahead, at mile marker 130, the 2,000-hp Loretta G. Cenac and the 3,150-hp towboat Elizabeth M. Robinson were pushing down river, each with three 300-foot loaded tank barges. Both tows were headed to nearby fleeting areas.
Loretta’s captain sought to overtake the other tow along a river section known as Thirty-Five Mile Point. Elizabeth’s captain declined the proposal but reconsidered a few minutes later and the two made passing arrangements, with Loretta to pass on Elizabeth’s port.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 2017 من Professional Mariner.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 2017 من Professional Mariner.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Mariner's role still unknown as autonomous shipping gains speed
Mariners’ role still unknown as autonomous shipping gains speed
Piracy edges closer to home with wave of raids in southern Gulf
In the brief cellphone video recorded by a crewmember on the offshore supply vessel (OSV) Remas, the pirates walk back and forth on the deck of the ship, clenching their guns and using them to point as they order around the crew. Their faces are draped in clothing and bandanas.
Casualties
NTSB: Dredge hit Texas gas pipeline, causing fire that killed four
IMO emissions report raises new concerns about methane slip
A recent report from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reveals that global shipping emissions increased nearly 10 percent from 2012 to 2018, with the industry facing a growing challenge concerning methane slip.
Bay State brothers find industry niche by making old into new
Zero non-conformities is what you want to hear when the U.S. Coast Guard inspects your tugboat. Once you’ve prepared your vessel, the inspectors come aboard to peruse your paperwork. They ask you pointed questions, to which they expect straightforward answers. Perusal completed, they then scrutinize all of the related safety systems, from bilge to antennas — even the ship’s bell.
Signals
A year into the pandemic, thousands ‘essentially indentured’ on ships
Analysis points to faulty loading, low ballast in Golden Ray rollover
While the salvage of the sunken vehicle carrier Golden Ray has been delayed for months due to COVID-19 and the hurricane season, analysis by the U.S. Coast Guard has determined a possible cause for the rollover: a combination of vehicles placed too high on the ship’s decks, and not enough ballast water gave the placement of the cargo.
Seastreak newcomer pushing through dip in demand
Two years ago, Seastreak LLC took delivery of Seastreak Commodore, a 600-passenger fast ferry, from Gulf Craft of Franklin, La. Designed by Australia-based Incat Crowther, the vessel is the largest of its kind in the United States and was built to meet the burgeoning demand for service in the New York-New Jersey market.
New year in a new world: Navigating COVID's maritime realities
In a matter of days, the decorative time balls will drop, “Auld Lang Syne” will fill the air, and ships at anchor will sound their horns as the world welcomes in the new year.
Advanced props, rudders provide new efficiencies below the waterline
It took a decade or two from the invention of the marine propeller in the 19th century for the technology to become widely accepted. Thereafter, adoption has been nearly universal, but progress toward improved efficiencies has come in fits and starts.
