NTSB Report on Ferry, USCG Cutter Collision

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued the report of its investigation into the collision between a U.S. passenger ferry and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter in Block Island Sound on July 2, 2008.  Fog in the area limited visibility to about 500 yards.  The report concludes that the bridge watch officers on both vessels failed to monitor their radars, sufficiently assess traffic, and compensate for limited visibility.  They also failed to maintain a proper lookout and to sound appropriate fog signals.  Among other things, the report recommends that all US ferries be required to install voyage data recorders and to implement safety management systems.  MAR-11/01 (2/4/11).
 
(Source: Bryant’s Maritime News)