Fishing Boat Collision in Atlantic Ocean: NTSB Report Emphasizes Importance of Lookout and Critical Equipment

The National Transportation Safety Board reported that a fishing boat collided with a container ship in the Atlantic Ocean due to the boatmate’s failure to keep a lookout and maintain critical equipment. The incident occurred approximately 63 miles southeast of Chincoteague, Virginia, causing the fishing vessel, Tremont, to sink, with an estimated $6.25 million in damages. During the investigation, it was revealed that the mate attempted to repair the ship’s gyrocompass while the autopilot was on, leading to the collision. The NTSB emphasized the importance of managing concurrent operations and using Digital Selective Calling on modern VHF radios to transmit distress signals effectively.

The NTSB report stressed the significance of managing concurrent operations and identified it as a contributing factor to the collision. It highlighted the use of Digital Selective Calling on modern VHF radios to transmit distress signals effectively. The report also mentioned that all 13 people on board Tremont were safely rescued by good Samaritan ships and a Coast Guard helicopter.

In conclusion, the NTSB’s report emphasized the importance of maintaining proper lookout and critical equipment, as well as managing concurrent operations to ensure safe vessel operations. It also recommended the use of modern VHF radios with Digital Selective Calling to transmit distress signals effectively.

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