NTSB: Ineffective Shiphandling Probable Cause of Casualty

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the June 2012 allision between bulk carriers Mary Ann Hudson and Star Grip was the pilot’s ineffective handling of the Mary Ann Hudson and his ineffective use of the two tug boats to maneuver the vessel around the Star Grip’s crane arms, which were extending into the navigable waterway.

 

On June 6, 2012, at 0530 central daylight time, the underway bulk carrier Mary Ann Hudson collided with the moored bulk carrier Star Grip while the Mary Ann Hudson was being moved from City Dock 21 to City Dock 29. No one was injured and no pollution resulted from the accident; however, both vessels sustained damage totaling more than $500,000. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has now issued a "Marine Accident Brief" detailing the investigation into the allision in the Houston Ship Channel. According to NTSB, the Mary Ann Hudson was being moved from one berth to another, requiring it to pass alongside the Star Grip. The pilot was on board and two tugs were available to assist with the maneuver.  The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the allision was the pilot's ineffective handling of the Mary Ann Hudson and his ineffective use of the two tugs to maneuver the vessel around the Star Grip's crane arms, which were extending into the navigable waterway.  MAB-13/19 (1/8/14).

 

Link to the report HERE: http://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/reports/2013/MAB1319.pdf