Read Authentic Ratings for the Bow-Fortune

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its findings regarding a tragic maritime accident that took place on January 14, 2020, involving the fishing vessel 'Pappy's Pride' and the chartered vessel 'Bow Fortune' near Galveston, Texas. The NTSB's Marine Accident Brief 21/21, published on November 3, 2021, highlights the critical decision made by the captain of 'Pappy's Pride' to move towards the Galveston entrance shipping channel during heavy fog, which likely led to a dangerous near-miss situation. At the time of the incident, 'Bow Fortune' was navigating inbound through the Outer Bar Channel while 'Pappy's Pride' operated outbound. The two vessels were unable to avoid a collision, resulting in the capsizing and sinking of the fishing vessel. Tragically, three out of the four crew members aboard 'Pappy’s Pride' lost their lives, while one sustained severe injuries. Fortunately, none of the 28 crew members aboard the 'Bow Fortune' were harmed. The aftermath of the incident revealed a surface sheen of diesel fuel, and the financial implications were significant, with the fishing vessel being declared a total loss valued at $575,000. Prior to the collision, the pilot of 'Bow Fortune' attempted to communicate with 'Pappy's Pride' via VHF radio, making three hails and issuing two danger signals, all of which went unanswered. Despite having advanced navigational tools onboard, including radar, automatic radar plotting aids, and electronic charts capable of displaying nearby vessel information, the captain of 'Pappy's Pride' did not respond to any radio calls or signals. Analysis of the vessel's AIS history indicated that the captain was actively steering, as evidenced by multiple course changes. However, investigators reached the conclusion that the decision to proceed toward the shipping channel in low visibility, along with a notable lack of communication, contributed significantly to the fatal collision.

On January 17, the owner of the Bow Fortune, Odfjell SE, firmly rejected any liability associated with the tragic collision involving the fishing vessel Pappy's Pride, which occurred off the Texas coast. The incident resulted in the death of one crew member, with two others considered missing and presumed dead. In response to a federal lawsuit filed by the relatives of one of the deceased fishermen, the Norway-based shipping company submitted a motion denying culpability. According to the family, Odfjell SE allegedly failed to operate its tanker safely, which had arrived in Freeport on January 24.

The search efforts for two fishermen missing from the American fishing vessel 'Pappy’s Pride' (MMSI: 367092780) have officially been suspended as of January 16. This decision came three days after the vessel capsized following a collision with the 'Bow Fortune' near the Galveston Jetties in Texas. Throughout the search, more than 49 square miles were scoured by a coordinated response team consisting of multiple federal, state, and local agencies, along with several Good Samaritans who offered their support. Responders carried out extensive aerial operations, shore patrols, and maritime searches in a determined attempt to locate the missing fishermen. As investigations into the incident continue, the Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board are focusing on determining the cause of this unfortunate event. As of January 17, the 'Bow Fortune' is moored at the Texas International Terminal in Galveston, with the Vessel Traffic Service Houston-Galveston implementing necessary restrictions between Galveston Bay entrance channel lighted buoys 7 and 8 and buoys 9 and 10. Navigational guidelines include prohibitions against meeting or overtaking vessels, accounting for wake and surge considerations due to ongoing recovery operations in the area. The response operation included a 45-foot and a 29-foot boat from the Coast Guard Station Galveston, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from the Coast Guard Air Station Houston, and the Coast Guard Cutter 'Beluga'. Additional support came from the Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston’s unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) team, Texas City Fire Department’s UAS team, Galveston Police Department, Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, Galveston Island Beach Patrol, Texas General Land Office, and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Dive Team.