The way AB Mike Kennedy sees it, the differences between U.S.-flag ships and runway-flag vessels are highlighted by two noteworthy incidents at the Riverwalk in New Orleans.In December 1996, the Liberian-flagged freighter Bright Field, committing one blunder after another, sailed into the Mississippi River’s crowded east bank in New Orleans — blasting into the side of a shopping mall and causing sections of a hotel and parking garage to collapse. Amazingly, no one died in the accident, although 62 people were injured and the shore-side facilities sustained an estimated $19 million in structural damage.
By contrast, the professional reaction of Seafarers and officers aboard the Chilbar when the vessel lost steering near the same area in New Orleans made all the difference, Kennedy said. The Chilbar incident happened Oct. 24 of last year — and resulted in no injuries and minimal damage to the vessel and dock.
“I want people to know that U.S.-flag ships are manned by the best mariners in the world, and we should be proud,” noted Kennedy, who was on the Chilbar’s wheel when the steering failed. “It’s our responsibility to inform the public about such issues as safety and accountability of our fleet and the Seafarers that man it.
“I am pleased to be an integral part of this crew and proud to be an SIU Seafarer on a great American-flag, American-crewed vessel.”
Kennedy said the Chilbar, operated by Keystone, was headed toward its loading port during pre-dawn hours when the northbound tanker “suddenly lost steering at the worst time and place possible — the downtown New Orleans Riverwalk area. The vessel was headed directly toward the dock. Yet, the quick and cool professionals on the bridge and on the bow came together with a series of efficient orders and actions that resulted in minimal damage to the vessel and dock. Most importantly, there were no injuries.”
The Seafarer cited “expeditious dropping of the port anchor by GVA Andre Wright and the switching of the steering systems in record time.
“Hats off to the pilot, captain and crew for an outstanding job.”
Other Seafarers aboard the tanker included Bosun Wayne Ricard, AB Harry Brown, AB Ricardo Ciolino, QMED Kevin Jones, Chief Steward Raymona Kelley, Chief Cook Magno Guillen, Santiago De Jesus, GVA W. Ballesteros and GSU Rene Turcios.
A year after the Bright Field incident, a report by the National Transportation Safety Board cited human error and a series of mechanical and communications failures.
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