NTSB cites lack of maintenance, hull wastage in towboat sinking

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

(WASHINGTON) — On Oct. 9, 2018, at 1630 local time, the fleet towboat Miss Roslyn was traveling downbound at mile 142 on the Lower Mississippi River near Reserve, La., when it began to flood and list to starboard. The three crewmembers abandoned the towboat onto a moored fleet barge and a good Samaritan vessel. Miss Roslyn capsized and sank on its starboard side. No injuries were reported. There was a visible oil sheen; containment booms and absorbent pads were placed around the vessel. Damages from flooding were estimated at $1,130,000.

Probable cause

​The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the capsizing of Miss Roslyn was the company’s lack of effective hull inspection and maintenance program, which resulted in flooding into a steering void through multiple wastage holes in the hull.

Click here to read the complete report.

By Professional Mariner Staff