Tugs and Towing

The NTSB investigated the sinking of tugboat Uncle Blue on the Mississippi River. Extensive hull damage caused the vessel to flood due to insufficient maintenance. The report emphasizes the importance of proper hull maintenance and proactive inspections to prevent similar incidents. Lack of a high water bilge sensor in the lazarette delayed the detection of flooding.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that a burst hydraulic hose sprayed fuel onto a hot engine, causing a fire on the tugboat Desperado in Louisiana. The crew’s quick action limited damage, with no pollution or injuries. NTSB emphasized following manufacturer specifications to prevent accidents.