Probable Cause of ‘Carib Trader II’ Sinking Revealed

The investigation report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been released concerning the sinking of the Carib Trader II while being towed from the Port of Miami to Haiti.

On March 6, 2022, the incident occurred near the Magallanes Bank, approximately 25 miles northwest of Santo Domingo Cay, Bahamas.

During the dead ship tow, the unmanned general cargo vessel Carib Trader II began taking on water and subsequently sank while under tow by the vessel Capt. Beau. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, but the estimated damage to the vessel amounted to $752,700.

The NTSB identified the primary cause of the sinking as uncontrolled flooding of the engine room originating from an undetermined location below the waterline.

The towing vessel, Capt. Beau, which had five crew members aboard at the time, reported encountering a minor debris field after the incident.

According to the NTSB report, the tow line bridle failed due to severe winds and sea conditions that were close to the maximum limit specified in the tow plan. Crew members on Capt. Beau observed that the port anchor chain of Carib Trader II had paid out, causing the vessel to ride lower at the stern.

Furthermore, the report noted that the Carib Trader II, known for its inadequate care and maintenance, had been in layup for two years. Inspection records indicated that the vessel was in poor condition, a fact underscored when the mate discovered rapid flooding in the engine room upon boarding. Despite efforts to dewater using a pre-staged portable pump, the flooding could not be contained due to its rapid pace, suggesting that the source was likely located below the waterline.