NTSB: Captain of tug that sank got underway with insufficient freeboard

The following is a marine accident brief from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB):

Executive summary

About 1510 local time on Jan. 22, 2015, the uninspected towing vessel Nalani began taking on water and sank in 2,200 feet of water while conducting sea trials off the southwest coast of Oahu, Hawaii. All 11 people on board were rescued after abandoning the vessel. No one was injured. An oil sheen was observed by responders and crewmembers. The vessel was not salvaged due to the water depth and was declared a total constructive loss.

Probable cause

​The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the flooding and eventual sinking of the Nalani was the captain’s decision to get underway without sufficient freeboard at the stern and without ensuring proper watertight integrity.

Click here to read the complete report.

By Professional Mariner Staff