Creole GenII (1982)

Classification

• Incident Type: Collision
• Severity: High
• Primary evidence: NTSB/MAR-83/04, with major tanker damage and oil pollution requiring cleanup.

Vessel Details

The report identifies a U.S. pusher-type river towboat built in 1975. Its stated length is not explicitly labelled length overall. NTSB, cover and p. 11

Incident Details

Damage and cleanup estimates: NTSB, p. 8.

Key facts

• Both vessels were upbound; Creole GenII pushed three barges carrying No. 6 oil, while Arkas carried crude oil. NTSB, p. 1
• Bobbie's starboard bow corner penetrated Arkas' port hull as the tow swung across the tanker's path. NTSB, p. 7
• Escaping crude oil ignited; Arkas anchored with its bow grounded near the east bank before abandonment. NTSB, p. 7
• Two crewmembers who jumped overboard were briefly hospitalized for exposure. NTSB, p. 8
• The NTSB identified unsafe passing clearance, loss of tow control and the lead barge's sharp raked bow as causal or contributing findings. NTSB, p. 23

Narrative

Creole GenII was proceeding upriver with three loaded tank barges in line ahead. Arkas, a Liberian tank vessel also proceeding upbound, was overtaking near Thirty-five Mile Point in a strong river current and patchy fog. The towboat operator intended to remain near the west bank, but could not maintain control and alignment of his tow. As Arkas closed, the tow swung toward the east bank and across the tanker's track. NTSB, pp. 1–7, 22

At 21:17, Arkas' pilot told the operator to back his tow. At 21:18, Creole GenII was backing full astern while Arkas continued at full ahead engine speed. Bobbie's starboard bow corner struck the tanker's port side at its No. 4 port wing cargo tank. Crude oil escaped and ignited, with burning oil also spilling onto the barge. The collision broke Bobbie's securing wires, leaving it drifting downstream while Creole GenII retained the other two barges. Its operator broadcast a Mayday at 21:19 and moved the remaining tow to the east bank. NTSB, pp. 7–8

Arkas' crew attempted firefighting while the pilot manoeuvred toward the east bank. The ship anchored with its bow grounded and was subsequently abandoned because of concern about an explosion. Two crewmembers who jumped overboard were treated for exposure; the report states no one was seriously injured. The fire was extinguished at 02:34 on 1 April. A surveyor estimated that 25,042 barrels of cargo were burned or discharged into the river, without separating those quantities. Arkas suffered extensive fire damage and additional grounding damage; the NTSB recorded USD 15 million tanker damage, USD 50,000 barge damage and USD 71,728 cleanup costs. NTSB, pp. 7–8

The NTSB found that Arkas' pilot failed to maintain safe overtaking distance and that the towboat operator could not effectively navigate and control his tow. Bobbie's sharp raked bow contributed to hull rupture, oil release and fire. The Board recommended study of protective barge-bow design and improved navigation practices. NTSB, pp. 23–24

Sequence of events

Sequence: NTSB, pp. 7–8.

Contributing factors

Factors: NTSB, pp. 22–23.

Investigation

The NTSB's report NTSB/MAR-83/04, dated 24 June 1983, presents the probable cause and recommendations. Its findings concern both navigation and the barge design's effect on collision consequences. The Board also found that closing New Orleans' Vessel Traffic Service did not contribute to the accident and that its operation would not have prevented it. The official July 1983 safety recommendation M-83-49 corroborates the occurrence and addresses pilot overtaking practices. NTSB, pp. 23–24, recommendation M-83-49

References

• NTSB safety recommendation M-83-49, 6 July 1983
• NTSB/MAR-83/04: collision of Creole GenII and Arkas, report hosted by Novatug

Related

• United States
• Collision
• National Transportation Safety Board
• Creole GenII
• Arkas
• Tug Incident Classification

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