Pilot Fatigue Causes Towboat Collision in Louisiana: NTSB Report

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed that the pilot of the Marquette Transportation towboat John 3:16, which collided with an industrial cargo pier near Saint Rose, La., had fallen asleep during his watch on the Lower Mississippi River. The incident, which occurred on September 12, 2023, was attributed to the pilot’s fatigue, as he had less than two hours of continuous sleep before taking the watch and received less than five hours of sleep over the two days prior to the collision.

According to NTSB investigators, even a two-hour sleep deficit can lead to performance decrements such as decreased attention, slower reaction time, and poor decision-making. The board emphasized the importance of mariners getting sufficient rest to avoid the negative effects of fatigue, which can impact their ability to safely navigate a vessel. The pilot cited personal stressors and distractions like text messages as factors affecting his sleep quality and duration.

The incident involved six crewmembers on board the 71-foot-long towboat, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. The total cost of repairs to the vessel and pier amounted to $285,441, with damages including the towboat’s wheelhouse framing, windows, exterior railing, and exposed deck. The NTSB highlighted the challenges mariners face in obtaining quality sleep on board vessels due to environmental factors and external distractions, stressing the importance of remaining alert while on watch by ensuring adequate rest during off-watch periods.

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