Collision of Sand Barge Weeks 207 , Pushed by Tugboat Seeley , with Sailboat Sea Jay
Executive Summary
On September 17, 2018, about 0826 local time, the tugboat Seeley with a crew of five was upbound on the West Branch of Stamford Harbor, Connecticut, pushing two sand barges, when the lead barge struck the stern of the moored sailboat Sea Jay during a tripping maneuver. The Seeley continued with both barges to its destination and the Sea Jay remained afloat at its mooring. No injuries were reported. Minor oil pollution originated from the Sea Jay ; damage to the sailboat amounted to $300,000.
Probable Cause
The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the collision of sand barge Weeks 207 , pushed by tugboat Seeley , with sailboat Sea Jay was the Seeley mate’s decision to perform a tripping maneuver in a narrow channel near surrounding piers and docked vessels, despite the availability of an appropriate turning basin only about a tow length ahead.
Full report here