NTSB cites inadequate maintenance in Tenn. towboat sinking

M

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

(WASHINGTON) — On March 6, 2018, about 1630 local time, the uninspected towing vessel Ms. Nancy C. was moving and positioning cargo barges while operating in Everett Lake (Tenn.), a tributary of the Mississippi River, when a deck hand discovered water in a void at the stern of the vessel. While the captain and deck hand attempted to dewater the vessel, it sank in 15 feet of water. Both crewmembers disembarked to a barge prior to the sinking without injury. Damage was estimated at $667,306.

Probable cause

​The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the flooding and sinking of the towing vessel Ms. Nancy C. was inadequate maintenance of the vessel by Chocktaw Transportation Co., resulting in corrosion and the loss of watertight integrity on the main deck, which allowed uncontrolled water ingress into the vessel’s stern voids.

Click here to read the full report.

By Professional Mariner Staff