NTSB: Lack of communication on bulk carrier led to allision with grain elevator

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

Executive summary

​The 738-foot-long bulk carrier Anna Smile allided with the Louis Dreyfus grain elevator in Houston, Texas, at 0504 local time on July 14, 2014, while maneuvering during docking operations. Damage to the grain elevator and its foundation was estimated at $2.5 million. The Anna Smile suffered minor insets on the hull plating on its starboard quarter for a length of about 30 feet. No injuries or pollution were reported.

Probable cause

​The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the allision of the bulk carrier Anna Smile with the Louis Dreyfus grain elevator while docking was a lack of communication from the engineering staff to the vessel’s bridge team and pilots while the vessel was experiencing problems with the starting system of the main engine as well as the absence of specific procedures and training for emergency engine operations.

Click here to read the complete report.

By Professional Mariner Staff