Cal Maritime's training ship damaged in docking accident

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(BRIDGETOWN, Barbados) — California State University Maritime Academy’s training ship hit a crane while docking in Barbados on Tuesday, damaging the vessel's main mast, the Vallejo (Calif.) Times-Herald reported.

No injuries were reported aboard T/S Golden Bear in the incident, which occurred as the ship arrived at the first foreign port on its 2019 training cruise.

“The ship was under the control of the local port pilot when this occurred," said university spokesman Robert King. “Investigators will consider all potential causal factors that contributed to the mishap. As President Cropper pointed out in an email: ‘We aren’t looking for blame. We try to understand causes so that we can eliminate future problems … this is what professionals do.’”

Repairs were being made Wednesday, he said.

“The mast that was struck held the range light,” King said. “If the repairs are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, then the ship will continue on its scheduled itinerary (with possible adjustments).”

“Once a temporary range light has been installed, and the (Coast Guard) approves the repair, I expect the vessel to get underway and complete the remainder of Cruise 2019 as scheduled, with the next port of call Lisbon, Portugal,” said a message on the school’s website from Capt. Sam Pecota. “I give you my assurance that the vessel is not severely damaged and will be perfectly capable of finishing the cruise safely. I will make every effort to make up for the lost port days in Barbados further down the line at the other ports."

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By Professional Mariner Staff