Poor communication led to Houston Ship Channel collision, says NTSB
Agency reiterates recommendation for a vessel separation policy
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the Miss Susan, a shallow draft towing vessel with two barges, and the Summer Wind, a deep draft bulk carrier, collided on March 22, 2014, because the towing vessel crossed the Houston Ship Channel, impeding the passage of the bulk carrier that was transiting inbound, which could only transit within the channel.
The collision resulted in the release of 168,000 gallons of fuel into the Houston Ship Channel from the breach of the forward barge and the hospitalization of two crewmembers on the Miss Susan for inhalation-related injuries. As a result, the NTSB recommended that crews on vessels transporting hazardous materials receive appropriate training, personal protective gear, and access to direct-reading air monitoring equipment.