Reviews & Ratings for the Bow-Tribute

A detailed investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has shed light on the grounding of the tanker 'Bow Tribute' on March 16, 2021, in the Lower Mississippi River. The incident occurred when the tanker attempted to overtake a two-barge tow, navigating through a bend in the river crowded with vessels amid high water conditions. According to NTSB's Marine Investigation Report 22/11, the grounding resulted in significant damage, totaling over $1.9 million, including $986,400 to the tanker itself and $926,100 to the river intake fender systems. Thankfully, there were no injuries or pollution reported. At the time of the accident, the 'Bow Tribute' was under the guidance of a pilot from the New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association (NOBRA) and had a crew of 27 on board. The downbound tug 'American Way', with a capacity of 2,000 horsepower, was pushing two empty barges and was crewed by four members. The NOBRA pilot and the tug pilot had planned for the overtaking maneuver at Nine Mile Point, located within the Carrollton Bend. However, complications arose as the 'American Way' began to slide into the path of the oncoming 'Bow Tribute', which was moving at double the speed of the tug. The pilot aboard 'American Way' struggled to maintain position and could not steer the tow away in time, leading to a critical situation. Trying to avert a collision, the NOBRA pilot maneuvered the 'Bow Tribute' closer to the shoreline but lost sight of the 'American Way' just before the tanker made contact with two spud barges attached to the fender system, designed to protect river intake pipes. The NTSB report highlights that the primary cause of the grounding was the decision by the pilot to execute the overtaking maneuver in a congested river bend, compounded by poor communication between the pilots of both vessels. The report emphasizes the necessity of clear and effective communication, especially during high-traffic scenarios like overtaking maneuvers in navigational bends. For the complete investigation report, visit: [NTSB Report](https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MIR2211.pdf).