On December 29, 2024, about 1934 local time, the towing vessel Patrick J Studdert and bulk carrier Clara B collided while underway on the Lower Mississippi River at mile 122, near Luling, Louisiana. The Patrick J Studdert sank, forcing all five crewmembers to abandon the vessel into the water. A sheen of diesel fuel was visible downriver. The crew of the Patrick J Studdert were rescued by a nearby vessel; four crewmembers sustained minor injuries. The Patrick J Studdert was considered a total constructive loss valued at over $2.3 million. The Clara B sustained minor damage to its hull, estimated at $250,000 to repair.
We determined that the probable cause of the collision between the bulk carrier Clara B and towing vessel Patrick J Studdert and subsequent sinking of the Patrick J Studdert was the Patrick J Studdert captain’s distraction due to his cell phone use, which resulted in him not maintaining a proper lookout and navigating the towing vessel directly into the path of the upbound Clara B.
Distraction Due to Personal Electronic Devices
Nonoperational use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices by on-duty crewmembers in safety-critical positions has been a factor in casualties and accidents in all transportation modes. Using cell phones and other personal electronic devices has been demonstrated to be visually, manually, and cognitively distracting. Nonoperational use of cell phones should never interfere with the primary task of a watchstander or a bridge team member to maintain a proper lookout.
