Towboat Crew Members Rescued After Accident
The Coast Guard is investigating an accident that occurred in Texas, involving two towing vessels on the Intracoastal Waterway.
The two towboats, Caroline and Miss Stacie, collided near the High Island Bridge. Both towing vessels were pushing barges at the time. Upon impact, the Caroline began taking on water. Another towing vessel, which was near by, came to the rescue of the damaged boat. The five crew members aboard the Caroline were rescued. None of them were injured.
The Caroline was partially submerged and protective booming was placed around it. Local officials are also assessing whether any environmental damage resulted from the collision. So far, however, damage seems to be minimal.
Towboat Pilot's Responsible for Accidents
Vessel collisions, whether at sea or on an inland waterway are often attributed to adverse weather, poor visibility, and human error. Avoiding a collision depends, very heavily, on maintaining proper lookouts and making the right navigation decisions. Some of the biggest maritime disasters have been linked to captains making the wrong decisions or displaying incompetence. 
The Cosco Busan collision in 2007, which caused a major environmental disaster, was attributed to pilot error and incompetence. The pilot in that accident was taking prescription medication and failed to notify his employer. The collision with the Bay Bridge caused nearly 58,000 gallons of oil to spill into the San Francisco Bay. Millions of dollars were spent on clean-up operations and local fishermen were deprived of their livelihoods when the fishing season was postponed as a result of the accident.
A collision can end with serious damage to the vessel and, in turn, a need for seamen to abandon ship. Crew members may suffer serious injures in the process. Survivors of major collisions may suffer severe emotional trauma, including anxiety disorders like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The maritime lawyers at Arnold & Itkin LLP represent workers who have been injured in accidents involving cargo ships, cruise liners, offshore drilling rigs, towboats and barges, as well as other Jones Act vessels.
