NTSB: Inadequate Navigational Assessment Led to Barge Striking Bridge in Florida

Inadequate navigational assessment that did not identify the risk of strong cross currents led a towing vessel and barge striking a bridge near Fort Pierce, Florida last August, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a Marine Accident Brief released this week.

The U.S.-flag towing vessel Old Glory was pushing the loaded barge Cole northbound on the intracoastal waterway August 19, 2020, when it struck the protective fendering of the Peter P. Cobb Memorial Bridge, causing causing nearly $641,000 in damages to the fendering and $5,000 to the barge. No injuries or pollution were reported.

According to the NTSB, as the tow approached the bridge the relief captain slowed the vessel, which reduced the maneuverability of the tow while the current pushed it outside the channel. According to the United States Coast Pilot, there is a strong cross current at the Peter P. Cobb Memorial Bridge.

Towing vessel regulations require the officer of a navigational watch to conduct a navigational assessment, using all resources available to gather information on conditions that could impact the safety of navigation. Had the relief captain been aware of the intracoastal waterway chart cautionary note and information contained in the United States Coast Pilot, he would have been better prepared to address the risk of strong currents often seen near the Peter P. Cobb Memorial Bridge, the NTSB said.

The NTSB determined the probable cause to be an inadequate navigational assessment that did not identify the risk of strong cross-currents in the area of the bridge transit.?

“The Coast Pilot and navigational charts are valuable sources to mariners that contain amplifying information on local conditions such as tides and currents, channel characteristics and bridge descriptions,” the report said. “It is important to check the Coast Pilot and charts when developing voyage plans to improve knowledge of an area and prepare for a safe passage.”

The NTSB detailed its investigation findings in Marine Accident Brief 21/13 is available on the NTSB website.

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