Virginia – Bridge Strike: Mackenzie Rose

Bridge Strike Alert: Contact of Mackenzie Rose Tow with Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Bridge

What Happened: On June 15, 2024, the towing vessel Mackenzie Rose, pushing the loaded deck barge Weeks 281, struck the Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Bridge on the Elizabeth River in Virginia, USA.

The collision caused $15.8 million in severe damage to the bridge structure.

The mate was navigating the vessel using autopilot. He stated the autopilot suddenly switched off without an alarm, causing a loss of steering. However, investigators found no technical issues with the autopilot system. The investigation concluded the contact likely resulted from a loss of control by the mate, potentially due to an error when trying to switch from autopilot to hand steering, or impairment from fatigue. Following the strike, the operating company failed to notify the Coast Guard.

Immediate Operational Checks:

• Officers on duty must immediately verify their autopilot modes. Confirm all bridge team members know the exact sequence of buttons to disengage the autopilot to hand steering.
• Practice switching regularly. Be aware of idiosyncrasies on your system. Write down quirks.
• Masters should review current watch schedules for their crew today. Check for any recent shift changes that could cause extreme fatigue or circadian misalignment. 6 on, 6 off, or watchkeeping officers who never see daylight need particular care.
• Review your safety management system’s emergency contact list.

Lessons Learned:

• Restrict Autopilot Use: Avoid using autopilot in harbors, narrow channels, or high-traffic areas where quick reaction times and frequent course changes are required.
• Consider marking ‘Hand Steering’ on ECDIS or charts as a note.
• Master Your System Controls: Operators must be fully trained on all features of the vessel’s steering systems. Practice regularly to prevent errors when transitioning between automatic and manual modes.
• Manage Crew Fatigue: Be highly vigilant about fatigue when crews switch between day and night watches. Circadian misalignment can cause dangerous lapses in attention, even for experienced mariners.
• Report Casualties Immediately: You must report unintended bridge strikes or other marine casualties to the Coast Guard immediately to reduce the possibility of negative outcomes.

Remember, always report your maritime incidents. The cover up is the crime!

In an age of satellite tracking, LRIT and AIS, authorities always know where you are, and where you were. Reporting contact with bridges or port infrastructure is vitally important. Acknowledging your mistakes is the responsible thing to do. It allows engineers to check the integrity and safety of the bridge. Other people need to know if you have damaged their infrastructure, and put lives at risk by doing so.

Ensure your vessel has contact numbers for the relevant investigation authorities in your area of operation. It is the master’s responsibility to ensure events are reported. Do not rely entirely on company superintendents.

Tags: Marine Safety, Bridge Strike, Autopilot Navigation, Fatigue Management, Incident Reporting

Official Report:

https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MIR2615.pdf