An articulated tug and barge struck a recognized underwater rock close to Kodiak, Alaska, final yr, leading to grounding and $1.4 million in damages, the Nationwide Transportation Security Board (NTSB) reported Tuesday.
The tugboat Cingluku and barge Jungjuk had been transiting into Shakmanof Cove from Marmot Bay on Might 25, 2023, with six crewmembers onboard. Working collectively as an articulated tug and barge (ATB), they had been primarily used to move containerized cargo and autos. As they approached the doorway to the cove, the barge grounded on a submerged rock, damaging its metal hull. Thankfully, no air pollution or accidents had been reported, and the tugboat remained undamaged.
The incident occurred because the captain navigated the vessel utilizing the digital chart system (ECS) and the Nationwide Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s digital navigational chart (ENC) for Marmot Bay and Kupreanof Strait. The barge ran aground on a charted rock that was not seen on radar or via a visible lookout. Though the rock was marked on the ENC, the captain failed to note the asterisk indicating its location.
The NTSB famous that the captain didn’t reference the US Coast Pilot, which additionally included the rock’s location. Using obtainable sources might have assisted in figuring out the hazard throughout route planning and overview.
The crew didn’t use ECS features that might have elevated consciousness of the rock’s location, akin to grounding avoidance options. Moreover, the working firm didn’t make sure the crew’s understanding or use of those ECS functionalities.
“Homeowners and operators ought to guarantee their crews are sufficiently educated in using their digital chart system (ECS) and perceive tips on how to use the totally different functionalities of the ECS,” the NTSB report acknowledged. “An ECS provides superior options that may assist customers improve their vessel’s security and crew situational consciousness of potential security hazards. In some circumstances, incorrect, or non-use of those options might even cut back situational consciousness to sure hazards, akin to submerged rocks.”
Learn the report: Marine Investigation Report 24-14
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