On 2nd February, 2016, at 2213 local time, the 2007-built Aframax ‘Nordbay’ was southbound on the Lower Mississippi River in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a pilot on board when it allided with a dock and water intakes on the left bank.
Less than an hour later, as the vessel manoeuvred around another bend in the river while heading toward an anchorage, it allided with a wharf also on the left descending bank.
No pollution or injuries were reported. The dock, water intakes, the wharf and the ‘Nordbay’ sustained an estimated $6.4 mill in total damage.
The NSTB determined that the probable cause of the tanker hitting the water intakes and docks was the pilot and the Master not adequately assessing the risks of handling the ballasted vessel during high-river conditions with strong following currents, while turning into the wind.
Contributing was the bridge team’s poor situational awareness of the vessel’s position in the waterway. Contributing to the second allision was the Master’s distraction from his duties while making a phone call, the NSTB said.