NTSB cites poor communication on bulker in New Orleans allision

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The following is a marine accident brief from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB):

(WASHINGTON) — On Aug. 18, 2017, about 1920 local time, the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier Mia S was traveling downbound on the Mississippi River near New Orleans, La., experiencing intermittent engine slowdowns. As the fully loaded vessel began to enter a bend of the river at Six-Mile Point near mile 101, its propulsion engine program restricted the engine to dead slow ahead. Within minutes, the vessel allided with the Nashville Avenue Wharf, damaging its bow above the waterline and the wharf. No pollution or injuries among the 19 crewmembers were reported. Damage to Mia S and the Nashville Avenue Wharf each amounted to an estimated $1 million.

Probable cause

​The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the allision of the bulk carrier Mia S with the Nashville Avenue Wharf was the chief engineer’s poor communication to the master regarding the potential for additional protective engine slowdowns at orders above dead slow ahead, and the master and pilot’s decision to proceed at full ahead, which resulted in a reduction in engine speed and subsequent loss of maneuverability while navigating through a sharp river bend.

Click here to read the report.

By Professional Mariner Staff