SS KEYTRADER and SS BAUNE (Norwegian) Collision in the Mississippi River on 18 January 1974 with Loss of Life.
Abstract
About 1401 c.d.t., on 18 January 1974, the inbound Norwegian bulk carrier SS BAUNE and the outbound U.S. tankship SS KEYTRADER collided in the lower Mississippi River. The bow of the BAUNE penetrated about 20 feet into the two forward cargo tanks on the starboard side of the KEYTRADER. Gasoline spilled from the ruptured cargo tanks onto the main decks of both vessels and onto the surrounding water and ignited; the flames were not extinguished for 53 hours. The collision and fire damaged both vessels extensively, killed 6 persons, and injured 3 others; 10 persons are missing. The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this casualty was the failure of the KEYTRADER's pilot to correctly interpret the BAUNE's movements, which led him to make a port turn to position his ship for an improper starboard-to-starboard passing with the BAUNE. Contributing to the accident were the operation of both vessels at speeds that did not allow sufficient time to establish a radar trackline, compounded by the inadequate use of the shipboard radar to evaluate a safe passing maneuver; the failure to establish communications; the inadequacy of sound signals under existing environmental conditions; and the failure of the BAUNE to maintain a lookout. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 12, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA043060
Entities
Organizations
- United States Coast Guard