The nearly 60-year-old tug Uncle Blue suffered a partial sinking on March 26, 2023, in the Mississippi River near Ascension Parish, Louisiana. According to the NTSB report, the incident was due to severe deterioration of the hull, which had multiple holes and double plates as temporary repairs.
This damage allowed water to enter, which resulted in progressive flooding of the vessel. In addition, the lack of a water level sensor in the bilge contributed to the flooding not being detected in time.
Uncle Blue Tugboat: The error of temporary repairs
The Uncle Blue, owned by Alexis Marine and built in 1964, was towing an empty barge when it began to flood. Although there were no injuries or pollution, the incident resulted in damages estimated at $500,000. The salvage process took four days, during which time 1,400 gallons of fuel were removed before the vessel was refloated.
The NTSB report also highlighted that while double plating may serve as a temporary solution, it is not suitable as a permanent hull repair. The investigators stressed the importance of regular and proactive hull maintenance to prevent similar incidents, especially on older vessels.
Lack of proper maintenance at the Uncle Blue allowed the corrosion and wear to significantly deteriorate the integrity of the hull.
Vessel owners should watch for signs of wear and tear and take timely corrective action, such as replacing deteriorated deteriorated steelto avoid serious damage. This incident highlights the need for a rigorous maintenance and inspection program that addresses temporary repair and permanent solutions to ensure the safety and operability of vessels.
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Source and photo: MarineLink
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