NTSB Releases Report On Collision Between Towing Vessel And Bulk Carrier

The National Transportation Safety Board has released its final report on the December 29, 2024, collision between the towing vessel mv. Patrick J Studdert and the bulk carrier Clara B on the Lower Mississippi River at Mile 122, near Luling, La.

The collision resulted in the sinking of the Patrick J Studdert and the rescue of its five crewmembers by another towing vessel. Four crewmembers sustained minor injuries. The Patrick J Studdert was declared a total loss, valued at more than $2.3 million, while the Clara B sustained minor hull damage estimated at $250,000.

According to the report, the Patrick J Studdert was moored alongside the Magnolia Fleet 122 docks, facing upriver on the right descending bank, before getting underway for a short transit back to its barges in the fleeting area upriver on the left descending bank. The vessel was crossing the channel in lightboat condition as the Clara B was transiting upbound in darkness.

The report found that the Clara B’s lights were visible and that the vessel could have been identified on radar. Despite those available means of detection, the Patrick J Studdert maintained a course that crossed into the path of the bulk carrier.

The NTSB also noted that the NOBRA pilot aboard the Clara B recognized the developing danger about a minute before the collision and attempted to contact the Patrick J Studdert by VHF radio, but no response was received. Investigators could not confirm the status of the towing vessel’s VHF radios.

The full NTSB report is available at: https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MIR2613.pdf.