Navigating to Zero - June 2026

 

National Transportation Safety Board Marine Casualty Investigation Reports 

 

 

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) publishes investigation reports for marine, aviation, highway, railroad, pipeline, and hazardous materials incidents. Vessel incident reports released since the last edition of Navigating to Zero are summarized below. 

 

NTSB MIR-26-19 - Collapse of Emissions Control Barge STAX 1 Capture & Control Articulated Arm

 

On June 2, 2024, about 1649 local time, the emissions control barge STAX 1 was capturing emissions from the containership Erving at the Fenix Marine Services Container Terminal in the Port of Los Angeles  when a ship-to-shore container crane struck the barge's capture and control articulated arm, causing it to collapse, and sections of it fell onto the barge, onto the Erving, and into the water. The arm's hydraulic system released about 10 gallons of hydraulic oil onto the deck of the Erving and into the water. One person on board the STAX 1 received minor injuries. Damages were estimated at $3.2 million.

 

The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the collapse of the emissions control barge STAX 1 capture and control articulated arm was a shoreside crane operator moving a ship-to-shore container crane without verifying the crane's lowered boom had ample clearance over any obstructions, and the container terminal's inadequate guidance for gantrying cranes.

NTSB: Lessons Learned: Planning Shoreside Container Crane Movements

During shoreside container crane operations, nearby structures, such as ground obstructions, vessel exhaust stacks or superstructures, or vessel emission capture systems, can potentially block crane movement. To mitigate the risk of a casualty occurring, it is critical that crane operators be aware of such structures and maintain line of sight of obstructions visible from a crane cab. Additionally, the use of a dock signal person can help to identify ground obstructions during crane movement. Including such obstructions in safety briefings or outlines of planned crane movements can improve awareness among crane operations personnel. Establishing and enforcing procedures regarding maintaining line of sight and using a dock signal person during crane operations can further mitigate the risk of a crane striking a nearby object or structure.

 

NTSB MIR-26-18 - Contact of Josset Tow with the Bayou Grosse Tete Bridge

On June 6, 2024, about 0512 local time, the towing vessel Josset was transiting the Morgan City-Port Allen Route of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, about 2.7 miles from Crescent, Louisiana, pushing three barges, when the lead barge struck the Bayou Grosse Tete Bridge. There were no injuries, and no pollution was reported. Damage to the bridge was estimated at $2.5 million.

The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the contact between the Josset tow and the Bayou Grosse Tete Bridge was the bridge tender's miscalculation of Josset's proximity, which resulted in him not starting to open the bridge in a timely manner. Contributing was the lack of a lookout stationed on the head of the tow, resulting in the pilot being unaware the bridge was not open until it was too late to stop the tow.

AWO Comments Regarding NTSB & USCG Investigations of Bayou Gross Tete Bridge Event

The NTSB identifies the probable cause of this incident as "The bridge tender's miscalculation of Josset's proximity, which resulted in him not starting to open the bridge in a timely manner."

The Coast Guard lists the first causal factor for this incident as a "Lack of DOTD Operating Policy."

Both agencies determined that the primary reason for this event was the bridge tender's lack of timely opening, as required by 33 CFR 117.

AWO is actively working with members and bridge owners to reduce the risk of bridge allisions and delays through proactive measures, complete investigations, and accountability for past incidents for all parties involved. For more information, contact Liam Morcroft.

NTSB MIR 26-17 - Contact of Rickey Hughes Tow with the Vicksburg Highway 80 Bridge

On May 1, 2025, about 1454, the towing vessel Rickey Hughes was pushing 22 barges downbound on the Lower Mississippi River near Vicksburg, Mississippi, when the two lead barges on the starboard side of the tow contacted a fixed pier of the Vicksburg Highway 80 Bridge. As a result of the contact, seven barges broke away, six were recovered, and one sank. No injuries or pollution were reported. Barge damage was estimated at $1.9 M.

The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the contact of the towing vessel Rickey Hughes' lead barge with the Vicksburg Highway 80 Bridge was a loss of all steering (steering and flanking rudders) due to a crewmember's misalignment of flanking rudder system hydraulic valves as he responded to a low pressure alarm and attempted to restore flanking rudder operation while the tow was approaching the bridge.

NTSB: Lessons Learned: Vessel Steering System Changeovers During Emergency Situations

The loss of steering while transiting in channels or maneuvering near immediate hazards (grounding, traffic, objects), when response time is critical, demands crewmembers act quickly to mitigate potential casualties. Vessel steering systems are often designed with automatic backup systems to avoid a loss of steering, and therefore vessel maneuverability, during such an emergency. However, some steering systems may require crew members to manually change over to standby equipment for steering to be restored. Crew members should be familiar with, and trained to use, these systems and their redundancies, including changeover procedures, to ensure they are able to effectively respond in emergency situations.

NTSB MIR 26-16 - Flooding and Sinking of Fishing Vessel North American

On May 14, 2024, about 0550 local time, vessel representatives for the fishing vessel North American, which was uncrewed and docked on the Lake Washington Ship Canal, in Seattle, Washington, were notified that the vessel was flooding. Salvors arrived on scene and attempted to dewater the vessel but were unable to keep up with the flooding, and the vessel eventually sank (see figure 1 and figure 2). There were no injuries, and no pollution was reported. Damage to the vessel was initially estimated at $3 million.

The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the flooding and sinking of the fishing vessel North American was hull corrosion, which resulted in wastage holes that allowed water ingress into the engine room overnight while the vessel was unattended.

NTSB MIR 26-15 - Contact of Mackenzie Rose Tow with Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Bridge

On June 15, 2024, about 1626 local time, the towing vessel Mackenzie Rose was pushing the loaded deck barge Weeks 281 while transiting the southern branch of the Elizabeth River in Chesapeake, Virginia, when the barge's raked bow struck the Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Bridge. There were no injuries, and no pollution was reported. The railroad bridge was severely damaged; total damages were $15.8 million.

The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the contact of the Mackenzie Rose tow with the Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Bridge was a loss of control of the tow by the mate at the helm, possibly due to his error in switching from autopilot to hand steering or impairment by fatigue.

NTSB: Lessons Learned: Safe Navigation with Autopilot

Navigating in channels and harbors requires quicker reaction times due to traffic, currents encountered, and frequent course changes, and more rudder due to slower speeds. Therefore, autopilot use is often discouraged or prohibited in a harbor entrance or narrow channel. If autopilot must be used, it is critical that vessel operators be fully trained in all features and functions of a vessel's systems so that they can quickly adjust the modes of the autopilot system or disengage the autopilot to return to hand steering as needed.

No New Findings of Concern or Reports of Investigation

• USCG Safety Alert 10-26: Commercial Dredge Fishing Safety Risks: Heavy Gear, Cold-Water Operations, and Limited Margin for Error
• USCG Safety Alert 09-26: Use of Prototype Shaft Seal Material on Board Deep Draft Vessel Leads to Engine Room Flooding
• USCG Safety Alert 08-26: Marine Boiler Burner Inspection and Operational Safety Recommendations
• USCG Safety Alert 07-26: Know Your Boat: Responding to an Engine High Temperature Alarm
• USCG Safety Alert 20-25 CH (1): Risk of Propulsion Loss from Material Failure of Main Engine Exhaust Gas Recirculating Cooler Weld.

No new BSEE Safety Alerts

Stakeholders are urged to review these alerts in detail to enhance safety measures and prevent incidents. Please contact Michael Breslin for more information.

 

Safety Leader Focus -- James Loughlin

James Loughlin is Chief Executive Officer of Midwest Tankermen, Inc., a family owned and operated Tankerman Service based in Lockport, Illinois. He began his career with Midwest Tankermen as a Tank Barge PIC and has risen through the organization to lead its second generation. He has been actively involved in AWO's Tankering and Barge Operations Subcommittee for more than a decade, contributing to industry discussions on safety, operations, and regulatory engagement. Loughlin has served as Vice Chair and, since 2023, Chair of the Subcommittee, helping guide its strategic priorities and collaborative work across the tankering sector.

Could you tell us about a key safety initiative that Midwest Tankermen is focused on to reduce the risk of injuries and incidents?

One of our biggest priorities is removing barriers that prevent employees from working safely. We believe no one should ever have to choose between convenience and safety, so Midwest Tankermen provides all required PPE, tools, and equipment at no cost to employees. Because our crews work across a wide geographic area and rarely visit our office, we assign a dedicated Supervisor to routinely visit job sites, inspect equipment, and replenish damaged or missing PPE. By bringing resources directly to our employees, we make it easier for them to focus on the job and ensure they always have what they need to work safely.

We have also modernized the way we communicate safety information. Rather than relying solely on lengthy meetings, we produce short safety videos that employees can watch from anywhere (similar to the length of an Instagram video). These videos cover specific topics, lessons learned, and emerging risks. The format has significantly increased engagement and retention, and when a topic is especially important, employees complete a short electronic quiz to reinforce key takeaways.

What are the key challenges your organization has overcome or is still working on to implement a strong safety culture?

The greatest challenge in building a strong safety culture is creating personal ownership. Safety improves when employees recognize the responsibility they have--not only for themselves, but also for their coworkers, customers, and the public.

To strengthen accountability, we invest heavily in leadership development and promote individuals who consistently demonstrate ownership, professionalism, and a commitment to safety. Because these leaders have firsthand experience performing the work, they are well-positioned to coach others, address performance issues constructively, and reinforce expectations in a way that resonates. Developing leaders who can provide honest feedback while supporting employee growth has been one of the most effective ways we have strengthened our safety culture.

You have been highly successful in your career! What advice would you give someone who is considering a career in maritime, whether they are new to the industry or already have some exposure to it? How can we better help people see the opportunity, purpose, and long-term career potential this industry offers?

My advice is simple: stay curious and never stop learning.

The maritime industry offers tremendous opportunity, and the people who achieve the most are often those who actively seek knowledge from mentors, peers, and industry events. I've learned some of my most valuable lessons by intentionally putting myself in rooms with people who had different experiences and perspectives than I did. However, simply attending events isn't enough, you must show up with a learner's mindset.

That is something I still work on myself. It is natural to want to demonstrate what you know or prove that you belong in the room. I still catch myself feeling that pressure and have to remind myself to lead with curiosity instead. When I focus on asking questions and listening more than I speak, I almost always walk away having learned more.

A favorite quote of mine is, "It's better to look uninformed than to remain uninformed." Don't be afraid to ask what feels like a stupid question. More often than not, others in the room are wondering the same thing. Maritime is a complex and constantly evolving industry, and if you approach it with humility, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, the opportunities are virtually limitless.

 

Staten Island Shipyard Blast Underscores Confined-Space Fire Risks

Firefighters were called on the afternoon of May 22 to respond to reports of a fire and workers trapped at The Ship Repair Contracting Corporation shipyard in Staten Island's Mariners Harbor. Investigators have identified flammable vapors from industrial-grade paint in a confined space as the preliminary cause of the fire and explosion. The incident killed shipyard worker Xiaoyuan Li and injured 36 others, most of them FDNY firefighters and EMS personnel responding to the emergency. The incident is a sobering reminder of the importance of confined-space controls, vapor management, and emergency coordination in shipyard and vessel repair operations.

For more information, please see the initial WorkBoat article or visit Spectrum News NY 1 for more recent updates.

 

Puget Sound Harbor Safety Plan Updated

The Puget Sound Harbor Safety Committee has updated its Harbor Safety Plan with new Standards of Care for light tugs and ATBs operating near Southern Resident Killer Whales and for coordination with Tribal fishing activity. The consensus best practices are advisory, not regulatory, and reflect input from mariners, agencies, tribes, and regional stakeholders.

 

AWO Members Featured at IMX Education and Award Ceremonies

AWO members played a prominent role throughout the 2026 Inland Marine Expo (IMX) conference, highlighting the association's leadership, safety expertise, and commitment to advancing the inland waterways industry.

One of the most pressing safety issues facing our industry is the current Jones Act waiver. Supplanting American vessels and highly trained, safety-focused American crews with foreign vessel crews whose safety training may be less rigorously verified carries serious safety implications. The Jones Act helps ensure that the waterways adjacent to American communities are served by American vessels and American crews who have their communities' safety front of mind and operate under rigorous Coast Guard safety standards.

AWO Chairman Matt Woodruff of Kirby Corporation addressed this concern during IMX's opening session, setting the tone with a strong message on the importance of the Jones Act and its critical role in supporting America's maritime strength.

AWO members and partners were also highly visible throughout the two-day education program, leading and contributing to sessions on lithium-ion battery risks, new construction under the TSMS option, vessel inspection, workforce development, medical readiness, legal and operational issues, and emerging safety challenges. These sessions showcased the breadth of expertise across AWO's membership and the industry's continued commitment to learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

AWO members were also well represented during IMX recognition events. The next generation of maritime leaders was honored during the 40 Under 40 awards luncheon, and Joseph M. Tyson, a champion of AWO and maritime safety, was recognized posthumously with the Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award.

For a full list of IMX presentations, please see the article IMX News by The Waterways Journal. 

 

AWO reminds members to stay alert for all recreational traffic -- including hot tubs.

 

MAIB Report Highlights Towline Failure and Snapback Risks