LEVITICUS

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Report into allision published

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on June 16, 2020, released a Marine Accident Brief detailing the allision between the 'Leviticus' and its tow and barges moored at Plaquemine Point Shipyard, located on the left descending bank at Mile 208.5 on the Lower Mississippi River, on March 7, 2019. The tug with six barges was heading downriver, bound for Garyville. At 10.20 a.m. the lead barges of the 'Leviticus' came in contact with barges at the shipyard causing 11 of the barges to break free. NTSB estimated property damage to the shipyard totaling 520,000 $ with damage to the tow amounting to $19,500. NTSB determined the probable cause of the incident to be the captain's decision to allow an inexperienced steersman to navigate downriver through the bend at Plaquemine Point in high-water conditions. The Mississippi River in the area was in extreme flood stage. There were no casualties and only minor injuries were reported, however beside damages to the barges, the shipyard lost anchors in the incident and remained closed until the following August after the high-water conditions subsided. The 'Leviticus' lead barges sustained damages, but their cargo tanks were undamaged, and no pollution was reported.