The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued an investigation report on the Collision between the Cargo Vessel “Manizales” and the Bulk Carrier “Zen-Noh Grain Pegasus” in January 2016.
The incident
On January 17, 2016, the 390-foot-long cargo vessel Manizales collided with the 623-foot-long bulk carrier Zen-Noh Grain Pegasus on the Mississippi River at mile marker (mm) 153 near Hester, Louisiana.
Before the collision, the Manizales was anchored in the Belmont Anchorage, just upriver from the Zen-Noh Grain Pegasus. Within 30 minutes of dropping both of its anchors, its anchors were dragged.
The Manizales drifted downriver towards the bulk carrier and was entangled in the larger ship’s port and starboard anchor chains. The Manizales incurred over $2.2 million worth damages from this collision, and the Zen-Noh Grain Pegasus lost its starboard anchor. No pollution or injuries were reported.
Probable Cause
The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the collision between the Manizalesand the Zen-Noh Grain Pegasus was the decision by the New Orleans-Baton Rouge Pilots Association to assign theManizales to the Belmont Anchorage during high-water conditions with three other vessels already anchored in the area.
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Source: NTSB
