Galveston Towing Vessel Suffers $2 Million Loss Amidst Extreme Weather Conditions

A recent publication by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) sheds light on the capsizing incident involving the towing vessel Baylor J. Tregre near Galveston,Texas,which took place on May 13,2024. The vessel was engaged in towing the barge MARMAC 27 when it faced unexpected severe weather conditions. The four crew members had to abandon ship and were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard; fortunately, only one person suffered minor injuries, and there were no reports of pollution from the incident. Though, damages to the vessel are estimated at around $2 million.

The NTSB’s investigation revealed that as winds suddenly intensified while traveling at a speed of 4 knots, attempts to maneuver downwind failed miserably. Instead of stabilizing their position,these strong winds pushed the barge southward with such force that it caused meaningful strain on the towline—this ultimately halted any forward movement of Baylor J. Tregre and led to a dangerous tilt towards port side. With no way to change course or release their towline effectively,they found themselves in a precarious situation that culminated in capsizing.

Things escalated quickly for the crew as they had to escape through one door of the wheelhouse while another was nearly submerged under water—a clear sign of how rapidly conditions worsened with waves reaching heights between 6 and 7 feet. As time passed, water continued flooding into the stern until waves broke through windows in their wheelhouse.

The Baylor J. Tregre is a notable vessel measuring 67 feet long and built back in 1997 by R&S Fabricators Inc., located in lockport, Louisiana.It features dual propellers equipped with kort nozzles powered by robust diesel engines rated at 750 horsepower each. This particular tugboat changed hands recently when Trinity tugs LLC acquired it last year and rebranded it from its former name Trent Joseph.

On that fateful day, weather alerts were rampant; for instance, at approximately noon-thirty-seven local time (1257), a severe thunderstorm watch was issued warning about potential wind gusts reaching between an alarming range of 60-80 knots! By three-oh-one PM (1501), coastal waters near Galveston were under a Special Marine Warning due to severe thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds up to 40 knots along with large hailstones and frequent lightning strikes.

In its final report summary regarding this unfortunate event—the NTSB attributed primary blame for this mishap largely on “the mate’s inability” to navigate against fierce wind forces generated during sudden adverse weather conditions leading directly toward uncontrollable heeling.

Recovery efforts commenced two days later on May 15 when salvage teams worked diligently cutting away connections between MARMAC 27 and what remained submerged beneath ocean waves—the Baylor J.Tregre itself—eventually locating it upside down resting quietly below before successfully bringing her back ashore for further inspection at Galveston docks.

For more detailed insights into this marine investigation case study number twenty-five-twenty-one (25-21), you can check out additional resources available directly via NTSB’s official website!