In an unusual incident, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has determined that a disagreement between a master and pilot over speed led to a cargo ship striking a St. Lawrence Seaway lock in 2013.
According to Professional Mariner, the dispute aboard the M/V Claude A. Desgagnes resulted in the boat not slowing down before it hit an approach wall of the Iroquois Lock, on November 6, 2013. The ship is reportedly owned by the Transport Desgagnés Inc. of Quebec City, and was loaded with corn heading to Ireland at the time of the crash.
“When the master ordered that the vessel’s speed be reduced, the pilot advised against this due to the direction and force of the current at that time. Although the pilot requested the forward anchors be deployed, each time, the master declined,” the TSB report said.
This disagreement about how to handle the vessel’s speed led to confusion prior to the accident. Thankfully, nobody was injured because of the crash. Transport Desgagnés Inc. reportedly updated its Bridge Resource Management procedures following the incident, outlining employee conduct and chain of command.
An Attorney Can Help You Following a Cargo Ship Accident
Although this story is unusual, it does provide an example as to how cargo ship accidents can occur. Unfortunately, in some circumstances, maritime workers are injured in these types of vessel incidents. If an operator does not take necessary safety precautions and does not offer adequate training to those in charge of a vessel, other workers can suffer harm.
If you are injured in a maritime accident, you may have legal rights and could potentially hold an employer liable due to negligence or unseaworthiness. In the video above, David Anderson explains the importance of obtaining the services of an accomplished maritime attorney following a vessel incident.
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