NTSB Blames Lack of Safety Inspections for Mississippi River Dredging Vessel Capsizing

The NTSB determined that the capsizing of the WB Wood dredging vessel on the Mississippi River last year was due to the company’s failure to conduct regular safety inspections of below-deck compartments, leading to undetected flooding that caused the ship to capsize during dredging operations.

The incident, which occurred in January 2023, resulted in the estimated spill of 5,500 gallons of oil and total damage of $1.5 million. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Two hours before the capsize, the dredger operator noticed an unusual tilt to the starboard side and discovered a water-filled storage space. Efforts to drain the space were unsuccessful, and the ship ultimately capsized due to flooding.

Investigations revealed that an open pipe leading to the starboard storage room and a missing overboard check valve were the likely causes of the flooding. Recommendations from the NTSB report included regular inspections of tanks and cavities near the hull, implementing procedures to prevent and respond to water intrusion, and the use of deep bilge alarms for early detection of potential issues to ensure the safety of dredging vessels in the future.

Source .