On April 21, 2023, the bulk carrier John J Boland grounded twice while loading cargo at Port Dolomite, Michigan. The grounding resulted in significant hull damage, causing two of the vessel’s ballast tanks to flood. Fortunately, no injuries or environmental damage were reported, but the incident caused $776,125 in damage to the vessel. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted an investigation that revealed critical insights into load planning, the importance of accurate depth assessments, and the risks of becoming desensitized to grounding incidents during loading operations.
Background and Sequence of Events
The John J Boland, a 667-foot-long bulk carrier, was built in 1973 and was operated by Grand River Navigation under charter from the American Steamship Company. The vessel was designed to transport bulk materials and was equipped with a self-unloading boom to facilitate cargo operations without relying on shore-based equipment. On April 20, 2023, the vessel arrived at the Cedarville dock in Port Dolomite, Michigan, to load 30,000 tons of aggregate stone. The loading operation was overseen by the first mate, who developed a load plan intended to bring the vessel to a maximum draft of 26 feet 8 inches.
During the loading process, the vessel was shifted several times to allow the shoreside loader to access different cargo holds. At one point, the first mate noticed that the vessel’s forward draft had stopped increasing, indicating that the vessel had grounded. This grounding was initially dismissed as a common occurrence, and the crew attempted to free the vessel using the mooring lines and the self-unloading boom. After successfully freeing the vessel, loading continued until the vessel grounded a second time. This time, the master attempted to free the vessel using the main engine, which likely caused further damage to the hull.
After the vessel was freed from the second grounding, the crew noticed that the vessel was listing to port. The master attributed this list to uneven loading rather than hull damage and decided to wait until the vessel was in deeper water before attempting to correct it. Once in deeper water, the crew discovered that two of the port ballast tanks were flooding, with water bubbling up through hull fractures. The master diverted the vessel to a protected anchorage, where it was later inspected by an American Bureau of Shipping surveyor who confirmed the hull damage.
Analysis of Contributing Factors
The NTSB investigation identified several factors that contributed to the grounding and resulting hull damage of the John J Boland. One of the primary issues was the inadequacy of the load plan, which did not account for the presence of a shoal near the Cedarville dock. Although the vessel’s draft guidance included a note about the shoal, this information was not incorporated into the load plan, and the first mate was unaware of the need to keep the bow at least 12 feet off the dock during trimming operations. As a result, the vessel was loaded beyond the safe draft for the area, leading to the grounding.
Another critical issue was the crew’s desensitization to grounding incidents. Both the master and first mate had experienced similar groundings during loading operations at various Great Lakes ports and had come to view them as routine occurrences. This complacency likely contributed to their decision to continue loading after the first grounding and to attempt to free the vessel using the main engine after the second grounding. The NTSB noted that this desensitization to grounding risks can lead to a dangerous disregard for the potential consequences, such as hull damage and flooding.
The investigation also highlighted the importance of accurate depth assessments and the need for up-to-date bathymetric surveys. The most recent survey available to the crew was from 2019, and it had identified shallow areas near the dock. However, the load plan did not account for these shallow areas, and the vessel was loaded to a draft that exceeded the depth of the shoal. The NTSB emphasized the importance of using the most current data available when developing load plans and ensuring that all crew members are aware of potential hazards.
Preventative Measures and Recommendations
The grounding of the John J Boland underscores the importance of several key practices in maritime operations, particularly in the development of load plans and the management of grounding risks. To prevent similar incidents in the future, vessel operators should take the following measures:
- Enhanced Load Planning: Load plans must incorporate all relevant information, including the depth of water at the dock and any known hazards, such as shoals. This requires accurate and up-to-date bathymetric data, as well as a clear understanding of the vessel’s draft limitations. Load plans should also include specific instructions for avoiding hazards, such as keeping the bow off the dock during trimming operations. Vessel operators should review and update their load planning procedures regularly to ensure that they reflect the latest available data and best practices.
- Desensitization to Grounding Risks: The NTSB’s findings highlight the dangers of becoming desensitized to grounding incidents. Vessel crews should be trained to recognize the potential consequences of grounding, even if such incidents have not led to damage in the past. Regular safety drills and discussions can help reinforce the importance of taking grounding incidents seriously and avoiding complacency.
- Use of Advanced Technologies: To further enhance safety, vessel operators should consider investing in advanced technologies, such as real-time depth monitoring systems and automated load planning software. These tools can provide more accurate and timely information, allowing crews to make better-informed decisions during loading operations. Additionally, the use of drones or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to conduct real-time underwater inspections could help identify hazards that may not be visible from the surface.
- Improved Communication and Training: Effective communication between crew members is essential for safe vessel operations. The first mate, who was responsible for overseeing the loading process, should have been made aware of the shoal and the need to keep the bow off the dock during trimming. This information should have been clearly communicated during the handover between the outgoing and incoming first mates. Regular training sessions and briefings can help ensure that all crew members are aware of potential hazards and understand the steps needed to mitigate them.
Legal Considerations and the Importance of Legal Counsel
The grounding of the John J Boland also raises important legal considerations for vessel owners and operators. Incidents like this can lead to significant legal challenges, including liability for hull damage, potential environmental impacts, and contractual disputes with cargo owners. In the event of a grounding, it is crucial for those involved to seek legal counsel to navigate the complexities of maritime law and protect their interests.
Legal counsel can assist in determining liability, negotiating with insurance companies, and addressing any regulatory compliance issues that may arise. For example, if the grounding had resulted in environmental damage, the vessel owner could have faced fines and penalties from regulatory agencies. Additionally, if the cargo was damaged or delayed as a result of the incident, the vessel owner could be held liable for breach of contract. By consulting with an experienced maritime lawyer, vessel owners can ensure that they are prepared to handle any legal issues that may arise and minimize their exposure to liability.
Conclusion
The grounding of the John J Boland serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of meticulous load planning, accurate depth assessments, and vigilance in the face of grounding risks. The incident was the result of a combination of factors, including inadequate load planning, complacency regarding grounding incidents, and the failure to account for known hazards. By implementing the recommended preventative measures, vessel operators can reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety of their vessels and crews.
Furthermore, the incident highlights the need for legal preparedness in maritime operations. Grounding incidents can lead to complex legal challenges, and it is essential for vessel owners and operators to seek legal counsel to protect their interests. Through a combination of enhanced safety practices and legal awareness, the maritime industry can continue to improve safety and reduce the risks associated with vessel groundings.
The experienced and aggressive vessel accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a boating accident. There are strict and short time limits on making claims related to maritime injuries, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your rights.