Pilot Of Towing Vessel That Hit Louisiana Pier Was Asleep, NTSB Reports

A recent investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has revealed that fatigue played a significant role in a towing vessel’s collision with a pier near Saint Rose, Louisiana, in September 2023. The incident involved the towing vessel John 3:16, whose pilot was found to have fallen asleep during his watch while navigating the Lower Mississippi River. The NTSB’s findings indicate that the pilot had less than two hours of continuous sleep before taking the watch and likely accumulated less than five hours of sleep over the two days leading up to the incident.

The NTSB emphasized that even a minor sleep deficit can lead to severe performance impairments, such as reduced attention, slower reaction times, and poor decision-making—all critical factors in safe navigation. Fatigue has been a recurrent issue in many marine accidents, underscoring the need for mariners to be fully aware of the dangers associated with sleep deprivation.

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The investigation also highlighted the challenges mariners face in obtaining adequate rest while on board vessels, due to environmental factors and distractions like cell phones. Ensuring sufficient, uninterrupted sleep during off-watch periods is crucial for maintaining alertness and preventing accidents. The collision resulted in repair costs of $285,441 for the towing vessel and the damaged pier.