(WASHINGTON) — On Sept. 11, 2024, the towing vessel Schweiger was transiting the Baker Bay West Channel near Ilwaco, Wash., when it struck the U.S. Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment docks at 12:36 p.m. after veering out of the channel. There were no injuries. About 20 gallons of diesel fuel spilled into the waterway as a result of the contact. Schweiger was undamaged. Damage to the station infrastructure was estimated to exceed $750,000.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the probable cause of the contact of Schweiger with the docks was the captain falling asleep while navigating the vessel, likely due to increased fatigue caused by an acute COVID-19 coronavirus infection.
“While the captain reported getting sufficient sleep in the two days before the contact, his sleep quality was likely poor, given the effects of acute COVID-19,” the NTSB report said. “This poor sleep quality would have resulted in increased levels of fatigue on the day of the
contact and increased the likelihood of the captain falling asleep while navigating the vessel.
“The captain reported taking several tablets of ivermectin, which is a prescription medication commonly used to treat parasitic infections in humans and animals. Ivermectin was proposed early in the COVID-19 pandemic as an alternative therapy for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infections but was subsequently found to be ineffective for this purpose, with significant potential for adverse side effects. Ivermectin generally carries a warning that neurotoxicity can occur with use, including alterations of consciousness (ranging from drowsiness and stupor to coma) as well as confusion and disorientation,” the report said.
For the safety of the crew, equipment and vessel, use of medication in conjunction with the operation of a vessel must be done with caution. Mariners should be aware of any adverse side effects of medications that impact their ability to perform their duties. Mariners should never use medications with which they are unfamiliar or for which they are not the prescribed user.
Click here to read the complete report.
– National Transportation Safety Board
