NTSB: Lack of proper lookouts led to collision, sinking in Gulf

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

(WASHINGTON) — The offshore supply vessel Gloria May collided with the uninspected fishing vessel Capt Le in the Gulf of Mexico about 2040 on the evening of Aug. 24, 2014. As a result of the collision, the hull of the Capt Le was breached and the vessel flooded and sank; the bow of the Gloria May suffered minor damage. Three crewmembers from the Capt Le abandoned their sinking vessel into a life raft and were recovered by the crew of the Gloria May. No injuries resulted from the accident. Total damage was estimated at $225,000.

Probable cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the collision between the offshore supply vessel Gloria May and the fishing vessel Capt Le was the failure of both vessels’ operators to maintain a proper lookout.

Click here to read the complete report.

By Professional Mariner Staff