MEC&F Expert Engineers : Marine Accident Brief: Sinking of Towing Vessel Nalani

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Marine Accident Brief: Sinking of Towing Vessel Nalani










 


Marine Accident Brief: Sinking of Towing Vessel Nalani

Executive Summary

About 1510 local time on January 22, 2015, the uninspected towing vessel Nalani began taking on water and sank in 2,200 feet of water while conducting sea trials off the southwest coast of Oahu, Hawaii. 

All 11 persons on board were rescued after abandoning the vessel. No one was injured. An oil sheen was observed by responders and crewmembers. 

The vessel was not salvaged due to the water depth and was declared a total constructive loss.

Probable Cause

​ The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the flooding and eventual sinking of the Nalani was the captain’s decision to get under way without sufficient freeboard at the stern and without ensuring proper watertight integrity.