Probable cause of Caribbean Trader II sinking revealed in NTSB investigation

The NTSB has released its investigation report into the sinking of the Caribbean Trader II during a dead ship tow from Miami to Haiti. The incident occurred on March 6, 2022, near Magallanes Bank, Bahamas, with no reported injuries but an estimated $752,700 in damage to the ship. The NTSB determined that uncontrolled flooding of the engine room from an unknown location below the waterline was the most likely cause of the sinking.

During the tow, the tugboat, Captain Beautiful, reported a small debris field after the incident, and the NTSB found that the towline separated due to high winds and sea conditions close to the maximum limit required by the tow plan. The report also highlighted the Caribbean Trader II’s substandard care and maintenance, as the ship had been at a standstill for two years and was found in poor condition upon inspection, with the engine room quickly flooding during the incident.

The NTSB’s report on the sinking of the Caribbean Trader II emphasizes the impact of substandard care and maintenance on the ship’s condition, contributing to its downfall during the tow to Haiti. The investigation found that uncontrolled flooding of the engine room from an unknown location below the waterline was the likely cause of the sinking, with high winds and sea conditions near the maximum limit contributing to the towline separation. The report underscores the importance of proper maintenance and inspection for the safety of ships and their crews during voyages.

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