On May 2, 2024, about 0930 local time, the fishing vessel Papa Rod was underway in the Gulf of America, 25 miles south of Venice, Louisiana, when it collided with the bulk carrier Appaloosa, which was anchored east of the entrance to Southwest Pass. There were no injuries, and no pollution was reported. Damage to the Papa Rod and the Appaloosa was estimated to be about $223,000.
We determined that the probable cause of the collision between the fishing vessel Papa Rod and the anchored bulk carrier Appaloosa was the on-watch deckhand falling asleep while operating the Papa Rod. Possibly contributing to his drowsiness were effects of his drug use or a related sleep debt.
