MEL OLIVER

[@geerbangr]

Once you go below the 230 mile marker it’s like entering the twilight zone. Your life is in your own hands, protect it.

[@jonathanwatson1243]

Word on the street the captain was off the boat partaking in extracurricular activities while a steersman was in the wheelhouse

[@lar300mag]

but then again I would to< i wonder if a course correction to the stbd would have helped

[@jonmcalexander6475]

Almost been 10 years

[@lar300mag]

Queston is do you have any idea, since your an employee of the same company, tell us all here of there "training program", so far it doesnt seem to work very good.

[@lar300mag]

Ryan not you, the remark is for Ted (t3ddymac), He sounds like a cadet still is school, still very wet behind the ears with NO experience in the Inland Towing Industry except for what a textbook might have taught (one of the ones who has to go class in order to think he can make a good decision instead of using experience or commonsense)

[@lar300mag]

one thing is a change of course to the starboard early enough to possibly avoid the crossing tow. Rule two of the Rules of the Road, says "a vessel may make a departure from these rules necessary to avoid immediate danger" I think something should have been tried. I dont by any means put any blame on the S/B ship pilot for the accident.

[@Davwbs]

Ship's speed did not slow until after the hit, 14mph is not needed for the ship to steer as you can see in the video. Both sides have a blame in this, just 99% going towards the Boat wheelman, & not FED 16. the ship could have slowed down, or even speeded up in order to keep from plowing into the oil barge. Downbound vessels have the right of way on rivers with current. There are not " tides " in the inland rivers.

[@lar300mag]

well of course I am! I have had lots of changes in the last 3 years but still on an old tow boat, even after opportunities to work overseas, I still continue to work the Ol' Miss.

[@BrentStAmant]

I know for a fact that this happen because the steersman was passed out and that’s why he never answered the radio and shouldn’t have never left the dock without a licensed operator on board anyway

[@weaverlarry6]

you ever want to see something funny is get a nobra pilot on a towboat.i had one pulling some time to get some expertise on a tow boat.this guy didnt know shit about driving. he did see what its like to run a 30 barge tow,i had to have him relieved .he wanted me to join the association,and thought i was the best thing since sliced bread.but i do love what i do and can not set and watch i like driving to much.but as far as pilots they in general are only good for one thing and driving aint it.

[@davitwayne1]

I did not survive 30 years in the Harbor because I respected the NOBRA pilots it was because I feared there arrogance inexperience and ability and they fact that they know if they run you over they have no responsibility at all they get off the ship before the anchor gets good and wet with no worries

[@lar300mag]

seems the ship did nothing to avoid this accident, except holler on the radio.

[@BrentStAmant]

The Dantin family lost their business because of this incident and it’s a shame because the steersman should have never left the dock without the captain back on board the vessel period

[@bmerrittful]

Yes it was the Mel olivers fault but ship pilots are known for not adjusting their throttles because they are cocky and think they own the water. Ship pilot made a decision that the towboat would hear him and stop his tow. The moment he realizes there is possibility of collision it his duty as a licensed officer to do all he can to AVOID collision (which he didn't) he COULD have pulled his throttles back and even back down but there vessels can't do that right?? Ha

[@lar300mag]

the disgrace is judging an industry on ONE accident.

[@lar300mag]

After a year still trying to make a point? Furthermore, I invite you to come have a hand at what we do, if you can handle it.

[@lar300mag]

The steersman should not have left the dock. The osuthbound vessel didnt nothing to avoid the incident, Everybody involved should have done something besides what happened. End of Story

[@davitwayne1]

the Mel Oliver made a bad choice but16 did nothing to avoid the accident his speed and course never altered I have worked the N0 BR harbor for 30 years and know when you see a ship GET OUT OF THE WAY Not because the ship is bigger or harder to handle than 1 or30 barges but because these Guys have little or no actual boat handling experience they go up and down and stay between the lines an can't deviate they have no responsibility they don't care so just be advised stay out of there river

[@txkingfisher]

@Davwbs you have obviously never conned a ship.... you dont just speed up or slow down like you say. The pilot did as much as he could. 99.9999999999999999999999% Mel Olivers fault

[@nicklucero24]

This would have NEVER happened if Obama was president at that time.. He would have stopped it from happening. All blame goes on Harvey locks for not helping, and just sitting back on his ass. He could have at least throw him a LifeRing or something to help!! 🙄😒!!

[@lar300mag]

@weavhipe, LOL, I cant but help not to laugh at you.