Poor assessment, distraction lead to tanker’s double allision

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued an investigation report on the double allision of the Tanker Nordbay, on the Lower Mississippi River, New Orleans, Louisiana, in February 2016, resulting in an estimated damage of $6.4 million.

The incident

On February 2, 2016, at 2213 local time, the tanker Nordbay was southbound on the Lower Mississippi River in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a pilot on board when it allided with a dock and water intakes on the left descending bank. Less than an hour later, as the vessel maneuvered through another bend in the river while heading toward an anchorage, it allided with a wharf on the left descending bank. No pollution or injuries were reported. The dock, water intakes, the wharf, and the Nordbay sustained an estimated $6.4 million in total damage.

Probable Cause

NTSB determines that the probable cause of the Nordbay’s allisions with water intakes and docks was the pilot and the master not adequately assessing the risks of handling the ballasted vessel during high-river conditions with strong following currents while turning into the wind. Contributing was the bridge team’s poor situational awareness of the vessel’s position in the waterway. Contributing to the second allision was the master’s distraction from his duties while making a phone call.

Explore more by reading the full report: