U.S Navy Ship Ran Aground After Captain Left the Bridge & Went For Dinner, Investigation Finds
An investigation into a US Navy vessel grounding accident has revealed that carelessness, improper protocol implementation, and a lack of situational awareness among the vessel’s crew members, especially the Captain, caused the accident.
Military Sealift Command Vessel Alan Shepard ran aground close to Bahrain in 2023, within 20 minutes of its Captain, Navigator, and Chief Mate going for dinner, leaving a Junior Third Officer in charge.
The incident happened when the vessel was going for repair and maintenance ahead of its sea trials. The Junior Officer turned the ship to avoid collision with a fishing vessel when it hit a shoal and ran aground close to Khalifa Bin Salman Port on July 15, last year.
The report added that the Junior officer was unaware of the shallow waters and the shoal as he turned the vessel. It also emphasised the Captain’s failure to be on the bridge when the ship operated in restricted waters.
Bahrain’s tugs and rising tides aided the vessel’s rescue from the sandy bottom the next day, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.
An inspection confirmed that the ship sustained a few scratches to its hull and no significant damage.
Launched in 2006, Alan Shepard can accommodate over 120 crew members, who are civilian mariners with a U.S Coast Guard License. It was used to transport cargo and other supplies for naval ships at sea.
It is presently in the Middle East and is supporting USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the strike group.
References: Navy Times, Military.com
Marine Insight Academy
Online courses for the Maritime industry!
Enroll For Maritime Courses
- 100 + Free & Premium Courses
- Learn at your own speed
- Earn certificates on completing Premium Courses
- Quizes to evaluate your knowledge
- Interactive videos
Marine Insight Academy
Enroll For Maritime Courses
- 100 + Free & Premium Courses
- Learn at your own speed
- Earn certificates on completing Premium Courses
- Quizes to evaluate your knowledge
- Interactive videos
Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction
About Author
Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.
About Author
Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.
Daily Maritime News, Straight To Your Inbox
Sign Up To Get Daily Newsletters
Join over 60k+ people who read our daily newsletters
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT