What Crew Members Say About Maini

A recent investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has revealed that the pilot and master of the tanker 'Nordbay' are to blame for the vessel's allision on the Lower Mississippi River in 2016. The incident occurred under challenging conditions, including high river levels and strong following currents, which were not adequately assessed by the crew when the ship transitioned into the wind. On February 2, 2016, at 10:13 p.m., the 'Nordbay', which was southbound on the Lower Mississippi in New Orleans with a pilot aboard, collided with a dock and water intakes on the left descending bank. Shortly after, while navigating a bend in the river towards an anchorage, the vessel struck a wharf located on the same bank. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or pollution, but the damages amounted to approximately $6.4 million, affecting the dock, water intakes, wharf, and the 'Nordbay'. In their Marine Accident Brief, the NTSB highlighted that the crew's inadequate risk management during the high-river situation was critical. Additionally, a lack of situational awareness from the bridge team concerning the vessel’s position played a significant role in the mishaps. Compounding the issue was the master's distraction due to a phone call, which further contributed to the second allision. For further detailed insights, interested parties can access the full NTSB Marine Accident Brief [here](https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MAB1730.pdf).

In a significant legal development, River Transport Services LLC has initiated a lawsuit, claiming that their dock facility suffered extensive damage attributable to the vessel known as 'Nordbay.' The complaint was formally lodged on January 24 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against several parties including Nordbay Shipping CV, Reederei Nord BV, The Swedish Club, and the vessel itself. The lawsuit stems from an incident that occurred on February 2, 2016, during which the operators of the 'Nordbay' allegedly neglected to implement the necessary precautions to prevent an allision with the dock facility owned by the plaintiff. As a result, River Transport Services asserts it incurred substantial physical damage and significant losses related to the dock's operational availability, totaling a minimum of $3,300,000. The plaintiff holds the defendants accountable for purported negligence in assigning an inexperienced crew to the vessel and for failing to ensure the ship was maintained in a safe operational condition. River Transport Services LLC is seeking a jury trial and is asking the court for a judgment that reflects the damages incurred, along with interest, costs, and attorney fees. Additionally, they request an order for the seizure, condemnation, and sale of the 'Nordbay,' with proceeds aimed at satisfying the financial judgment against the defendants. The plaintiffs are represented by attorneys Bruce Brown and William Mizell from the law firm Coleman, Johnson, Artigues & Brown LLC based in New Orleans.

On Tuesday night, the U.S. Coast Guard initiated an investigation following an allision involving the vessel "Nordbay" and the water intake infrastructure in Jefferson Parish, located just upstream from New Orleans. As the ship was being navigated down the river, the tank came into contact with the Gov. Nicholls Street Wharf, resulting in a breach in its hull that led to the discharge of ballast water. Fortunately, there have been no reports of pollution or injuries associated with the incident. Officers discovered no visible damage at the water intakes, and harbor police conducted a thorough inspection of the wharf, confirming it remained undamaged. The "Nordbay" has been secured and is moored in New Orleans as of February 5.