Inadequate Navigational Assessment Leads to Contact with Peter P. Cobb Memorial Bridge

​WASHINGTON (June 17, 2021) — An inadequate navigational assessment that did not identify the risk of strong cross currents led to a towing vessel and barge striking the Peter P. Cobb Memorial Bridge protective fendering near Fort Pierce, Florida, the National Transportation Safety Board said in Marine Accident Brief 21/13​ released Thursday.

On Aug. 19, 2020, the towing vessel Old Glory, pushing the loaded barge Cole northbound on the intracoastal waterway, struck the protective fendering for the Peter P. Cobb Memorial Bridge resulting in $646,000 in damages. There were no injuries.

(In this undated photo, the towing vessel Old Glory is shown under way. Photo courtesy of River Ventures, LLC)

According to the United States Coast Pilot, there is a strong cross current at the Peter P. Cobb Memorial Bridge. As the tow approached the bridge the relief captain slowed the vessel, which reduced the maneuverability of the tow while the current pushed it outside the channel.

Towing vessel regulations require the officer of a navigational watch to conduct a navigational assessment, using all resources available to gather information on conditions that could impact the safety of navigation. Had the relief captain been aware of the intracoastal waterway chart cautionary note and information contained in the United States Coast Pilot, he would have been better prepared to address the risk of strong currents often seen near the Peter P. Cobb Memorial Bridge.

“The Coast Pilot and navigational charts are valuable sources to mariners that contain amplifying information on local conditions such as tides and currents, channel characteristics and bridge descriptions," the report said. “It is important to check the Coast Pilot and charts when developing voyage plans to improve knowledge of an area and prepare for a safe passage."

Marine Accident Brief 21/13 is available at https://go.usa.gov/x6UbX.