Definition
A tug capsize caused by factors other than towline forces — typically weather, flooding, stability failure, or structural failure.
Mechanism examples
- Heavy weather overwhelms the tug's stability
- Flooding through an open hatch or damaged hull
- Sudden shift of deck cargo
- Structural failure causing rapid flooding
Classification warning
Do not use this classification unless the source explicitly rules out girding as the mechanism. The default for any unclear tug capsize is Capsize Unknown Mechanism — not this.
This is the most commonly misclassified type because "not girding" sounds like a safe default. It is not — it is a positive claim that requires evidence.
Related
- Tug Incident Classification — decision rules
- Capsize Girding
Related incidents
Accidents linked to this concept are grouped by vessel type.
Container (1)
Ro-Ro / Car Carrier (1)
Tug (4)
- 2019-10-01: Sheena M (2019)
- 2016-04-19: Ricky J Leboeuf (2016)
- 2015-01-16: JMS Delta (2015)
- 1967-03-19: Vikingbank (1967)