Tug being squished by Star Princess

Tug being squished between pier and the Star Princess at the Port of San Francisco. October 2, 2019

[@MRREE-zw6xc]

Wish I can hear the radio chatter between the tug cap and the pilot trying to guide the three block + skyscraper of a ship!

[@Whiteboytripping]

If you call her princess she will push you around like there is no tomorrow.

[@chucko5006]

It’s difficult to determine who is at fault when only getting limited information about the incident. As a harbor tug master myself, my first thought was lack of situational awareness on the part of the tug master. Maybe he didn’t have anybody in the wheelhouse with him calling distances. I can’t imagine anyone still backing on his line with the tug so close to the pier. I probably would have laid flat and either put the tug in a press against the ship or paid out enough line to back out altogether. The safety of the crew and tug have to come first. Once the tug gets crushed, it’s of no use anymore anyway, especially if the wheels get damaged.

[@jasoncary7957]

Tugs don’t have wheels. They float 🤦‍♂️

[@austingooger7566]

@@jasoncary7957wheels is another term for propellors

[@quarlow1215]

Y​​ou're either trying to funny or you have no clue what he's talking about.

[@jasoncary7957]

@@quarlow1215 Yes, thank you

[@blkft]

​@@jasoncary7957 😁👍

[@keithhooper5965]

Under the boardwalk ..the boardwalk 😂😂

[@lstaud100]

A Little Tug Who Thought It Could...and did!

[@Ricky40369]

Shiver me timbers.

[@stevencarrollscorpio]

Literally!

[@TheCgodb31508]

Tug should have known not to remain perpendicular to the pier when he/she saw the distance between the ship and pier. Should have removed themselves out of the way of the ship and pier. Ship also should have realized what was happening and used it’s bow thrusters to stop the ship. In attention of the ship master and the tug master.

[@easygoing2479]

This isn't anything you won't see in a Walmart parking lot anywhere across this great land of ours.

[@cindyreid6404]

Hard working tug, great job getting back under control.

[@joandouglas9000]

we are thankful no-one was hurt; this was a terrible thing to watch from our balcony on deck12, starboard & stern.

[@brucemitchell5637]

When I worked at Seaspan in Vancouver years ago, one of their tugs got pinched between the warf and a wood chip barge. All the windows in the wheelhouse 2ere popped right out of their frames and the tug itself was squeezed permanently together by more than a foot.

[@UQRXD]

FULL power Mr. Scott, aye, captain.

[@brucelytle1144]

I helped build one of those tugs for Foss, back in the day... I saw this video and thought that that tug was a expensive camel!😂 Edit: The reason he can't move is that he's tied on the front, once the stern hits that dock, there ya go! Those tugs are some of the most maneuverable tugs in the world due to their propulsion. Instead of a propeller, they have 2 rotating sets of paddles that change pitch during rotation to give thrust in 360°. Pretty cool, but very complicated wiring.

[@katieverheggen146]

No they don't. Most tugs rely on thrusters using a sort of steering prop. Voight & Schneider makes these paddle arrangements (these technical terms are hard to translate :# ). In my country, it's even the case that neither one of those holds the top spot. That belongs to the fixed prop behind a rudder. Anyways, guess that's enough geeking out for a little while :)

[@brucelytle1144]

@@katieverheggen146 thanks for the comment. That is your country, wherever that is. It's hard to tell somebody who built these tugs, that I'm wrong. There is no thruster or jet pump on this type of boat.

[@katieverheggen146]

@@brucelytle1144 The Netherlands, that would be. And to be fair, you're right. However seeing how and where the prop wash presents i felt like it's safe to assume that this tug is using azipods. This comes from my experience on actual (albeit inland) tugs. One argument you could make, and rightfully so, is that assumptions are no good. So, i just found a page by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders on Delta Catheryn. Delta Catheryn (30x12 meters) is a tug with two 3400HP caterpillars coupled to Rolls Royce Z drives (so moving pods). That's good for some 94 tonnes of bollard pull. So i guess just because you've built boats that use V&S doesn't mean that it's safe for you to assume either.

[@brucelytle1144]

@@katieverheggen146 Taken...but it still looked like they were using it as a 🐫!

[@resqdiver1]

If I’m correct, these are Z-drive tugs that have 2 stern pods with conventional propellers that turn 360 degrees independently and give the pilot amazing control and flexibility in terms of ship handling and dynamic positioning. @katieverheggen146 , a Voight-Schneider also has amazing versatility but is a much different technology. It’s a single drive in a caged “carousel” on the bottom of the keel, much more forward towards the bow that spins at a constant speed with multiple controllable pitch vanes that divert the thrust laterally in whichever direction is needed. A brilliant design! Hope this helps.🙏😊

[@lordnikonoriginal]

I'm of the opinion that that tug did his job just fine. 👌

[@oceanventure]

At least the captain ordered to have the white tarp draped over the bow of the tug so we don’t transfer any marks onto the hull of the ship.

[@horrorfan4711]

All the experts in here is astounding

[@shanechostetler9997]

I would think the pilot of the ship has a bit of responsibility, I believe he’s the person who positions the tug assist.

[@josephgooch1451]

Is there really some dad out there giving him hand gestures over the rail?🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@graham2631]

I've done ship assist. Never assume the pilot is aware of you. Don't let yourself get in this predicament. When you have no "out" at least make sure the pilot is aware. Looks superficial tho..

[@argonaut6386]

Do they not communicate with one another?

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

The current can be quite strong along the waterfront, and if you add in some wind - its not easy.

[@jayfish6114]

Amazing video and scary 😨 as what. To maybe crushed by a ship 🚢 unbelievable. Tug boat driver's need way more respect for what they deal with everyday.

[@CodenameBolts]

"We're losing it! We'll be crushed between ship and quayside!"

[@drfosgate]

What... I was on that ship and I don't remember hearing anything about that. We had port side cabin we wouldn't have seen it... wow...

[@wayneinnc5379]

IMHO, harbor pilots should be more accountable and held liable when something like this happens. Harbor pilots are never responsible for their actions when a ship goes aground or an or when another ship pushes a tug under the dock.

[@matthewwilson5019]

Naa its the ship captain's fualt especially if the ship captain had his props running

[@kahunadad]

The cruise ship has got to take at least some of the blame . I've been on lots of cruises, and when the ship docks, or leaves port, there are crew out in the bridge wings to make sure this stuff doesn't happen. You can tell by how hard the tug was reving her engines that she was pushing against the ship's thrusters or more likely ( since this was at the stern) pushing against the Azipods. The tug can't overpower that kind of force. This was damned lucky all around that no one was seriously hurt.

[@chornobylreactor4]

The little tugboat was screaming aww the poor thing could have been seriously hurt or killed

[@BurchellAtTheWharf]

You would think the tug boat operator would get on the horn

[@MrDrunken1]

So, this was on Pier 23 then, right by the restaurant? I need to go down there and check out the damage or see if they have repairs going.

[@joandouglas9000]

Did you ever see the repairs? We were above this, on balcony. Scary!

[@mikerilling6515]

Situational Awareness ZERO 😂

[@andyc443]

Just wait for all the arm chair professionals and keyboard warriors ready to tear this tug skipper to shreds when they know nothing of the situation.

[@captedenos]

I can't believe some of the stuff people write here. Absolutely hilarious.

[@stoehrcov]

Curtis needs Coors

[@mattsullivan2117]

If anything the docking pilot is the first one I'd want to hear from. Whatever he/she says, the tugs do. Looks like there was some miscommunication as to when to stop pulling astern on her. Not sure if it would have saved anything, but those azimuth tractor tugs can apply 360 degrees of full thrust if needed. Curious as to why the tug captain didnt put her beam to beam with the cruise ship when the tug's stern was a foot from the fender piles.

[@andyc443]

@@mattsullivan2117 yes I agree the tug skipper follows the pilots instructions, but first and foremost is the safety of his own tug and crew. He shouldn't of been in that position. But we don't know the full details of the incident is all I'm saying. I'm a mate on a tug and have worked in the industry for 15yrs +.

[@Reduxalicious]

I'd love to see the 2692 on this one.

[@o1eksandr653]

Quite strong tugboat💪 impressive

[@robertheck6747]

That was a good job. The tug was really churning, just look at how much mud was Coming up in the water.

[@bindig1]

That tugboat operater has to be pissed

[@theirishman8356]

Lack of good communication

[@johnl.8616]

Tug boat skipper seemed to keep their cool underpressure.

[@slipperyNY]

A little touch up paint, she'll be good as new.

[@FriskDreemurrOfBiggCityPort]

Ten Cents: Oi, you lot. Have a look at this. :D The other Star Tugs: ?

[@liam1428]

What would you tug caps have preferred if you'd been caught in this situation: Azipod or screws? By the way, how could this be happening; a bad wind, bad cruise ship cap't, or just bad luck? Answer to my 1st question would depend on how those ladies looked who took this video.

[@nigelw598]

@Liam In answer to your question. An experienced tug captain would not be caught in this situation regardless of the propulsion systems in use. Whether if a Tug had a single screw, twin screw or ASD (azimuthing stern drives - Azi pods) it makes little difference. An experienced tug captain on those drive systems should be able to perform all manoeuvres to assist that ship into its berth. Doing this, we often work in close quarters to sections of wharf when spinning ships in a port. But you have to know when to tell the Pilot that things are getting dangerous and you have the authority to get the hell out of there well before this happens. You have to speak up assertively and give the pilots plenty of warning of what’s happening at your end of the ship. The tug in this video was lifting off (pulling) until it ran stern first into the wharf? If you put “Delta Cathryn Incident” into a search, then you can read the accounts of most involved. I wouldn’t wish this on any of my fellow colleagues. I hope the Captain here learnt from it and got another chance to continue. It’s the best job in the world as far as I’m concerned. In 25 years on the tugs I’ve never once thought “Urgh I’ve got to go to work”. It’s a challenge every day. As I often remind my crew when looking out the bridge windows on the way to a job. “Another day in paradise!”. It’s the best office you will find. 👍👍🍻

[@vandijk1698]

Tug boat captain here: you should never get in the way of what you're tugging...

[@matthewwilson5019]

Unless stupid ship captain didnt bother to see if tug captain was still there

[@billdobbins8372]

Last call for Happy Hour on the tug

[@derekhenderson8533]

What the hell was the skipper doing ? getting himself in that position Talk about a rock and a hard place !

[@MrWguts]

Ugh, vertical video AGAIN? C'mon, how simple is it to just turn the phone 90 deg and fill the whole screen with this amazing footage rather than just a little slit of video down the middle?

[@armoris66]

Your right of course but funny as it may seem, most people feel their holding their phone much more securely gripped in one hand (portrait) than two (landscape). No one wants to drop their phone 10 stories into the drink just for a better vid.

[@CaryCrites]

See you at BayShip!

[@richielittlewood867]

Who is responsible for the pier piling damage ?

[@teddyabearo1066]

Brings a whole 'mother meaning, to "Clear the Aft Deck!" Two or 3 more feet of incoming, and he'd've been all set. 🤯 🧐 🤟🏽🐻

[@williammccoy7127]

Well that tug will have some serious construction issues after this squeeze.

[@HerkMeck]

I think maybe he kinda should'nt be between the ship and the dock? Just saying....

[@oddlyrightoddlyright2475]

What was the end game…?he was pulling the ship towards him while being backed into a corner

[@matthewwilson5019]

I bet it was ship captain with his thrusters doing that

[@FlorentinoRebuildingCo.5644]

Look at those beautiful exhaust pipes on that tug....what a beautiful machine. Stainless steel ???

[@liam1428]

Look at the boardwalk at the stern, matchsticks?

[@FlorentinoRebuildingCo.5644]

@@liam1428 interesting....I replayed back several times....definitely NOT a Detroit Diesel for power. Cummings Diesel power perhaps? Regardless, that tug is a beautiful machine.

[@lnr12241]

His other tug boat is 8 feet shorter. He's used to that one lol

[@concerned_2023]

It looks like the bow thrusters were pushing in the ship. The tug was in the wrong place. Breakdown in communications.

[@commentsection6460]

The already calculated the cost of a new tug boat and it was the cost effective people!

[@rock.doctor]

we don't know what was on the other side of the ship or in front/behind. The tug actually kept pulling back even when he was under the pier. There had to be some reason for him to do that... There has to be more to this story then whoops i'm going the wrong way...

[@mohamedbenali7575]

He can pull in the other side he choose the wrong side i guess

[@billyclark3707]

Tug doesn't look like it was trying to push back no smoke or heat coming out of the pipes just little mud kicked up.

[@daleolson3506]

I would say that tug boat captain saw his last day at work.

[@matthewwilson5019]

Same for the stupid as ship captain

[@DeadEyeDave]

Why was the tug between the ship and the pier? NEVER be there. That's Tugboat 101.

[@matthewwilson5019]

Maybe the ship was actually having problems and the tug captain was actually trying to stop anything worse from happening

[@wes11bravo]

Dock being squashed.

[@richardgiles2484]

Size does matter after all 🤣

[@bunkerbarley4401]

poor delta cathyrn

[@ukaszwalczak1154]

Tug:.........Help me

[@antwonstewart3457]

😂

[@jerrym1070]

Thought for sure it was going to pop like a bug . Wtg tug pilot . Now go check your britches

[@TheIndianscout]

I wonder if he lost engines??

[@tyleranderson99]

Doesn't look like he ever did.

[@basvanduurling4504]

Hmmmm, why would we see exhaustgas coming from the funnels. Let's guess, maybe because his engine is running.

[@TheIndianscout]

@@basvanduurling4504 If you look again smart ass right before his stern went under the dock there was no wheelwash or exhaust. A few seconds after there was damage done you start to see the exhaust and sheelwash again!!

[@basvanduurling4504]

@@TheIndianscout Well injunChief, I'm certainly not a smart ass. I'm just a qualified Chief Engineer with 32 years of experience on offshore vessels in the Northern North Sea. Do you really expect that this tug looses 2 main engines at the same time or has a full black out (just look at her navigation lights, she has no black out)? This tug is simply pushed under the dock by the much larger vessel. And yes, her engines are running all the time or did you notice that the engines were restarted. Furthermore is there constantly propeller wash visible and if you look at her starboard side you will see the cooling water of starboard engine going overboard without interruption.

[@buckshotgigalo]

Lost some paint maybe. Crushed...absolutely not!!

[@shanehollander9135]

Skippy’s BAC>.08 4Sho

[@brandonlynch99]

Likely some sort of mechanical failure happened.

[@KiwiCruisers]

Opps!, Poor tug Boat.

[@dicksondiscoveries]

I know.. I love tugs that is the only reason I was filming. I was getting photos and video when that happened.

[@jonwallace7015]

There's no one driving

[@marqushio2752]

You had 1 job...

[@labzline]

Hey, you can’t park there.

[@badcid1362]

Your fired

[@steelem422]

Tug did it’s job the ship was not damaged and that’s the whole point safety and control are the main things if a tug dies to keep the ship dare so be it great tug master kept very calm

[@joandouglas9000]

The ship had a big scrape & bang, was painted the next port day but still dented.

[@janlul1211]

lets be honest they say they are captain but nobody can handle these massif ships its not the first time they fup and not the last time 1 thing i know for sure this tug boat damage will be paid by onwers off big ship

[@edmctug8800]

2 points , docking master and tug pilot better coms,, tug captain speak up ,or docking pilot not letting the tug getting in irons,,,, Who knows mabey the Harbor pilots serves as docking pilot,, Stuff happens,, lucky nobod got hurt,, pee in the cup time and a lot of CG paperwork to fill out !

[@graham2631]

Yes he does. Takes over off shore and docks it. Captain can take control if he feels it necessary. Only place captain loses command completely is in the Panama canal. (That l know of)

[@BoatAfloat]

Another tugboat fail here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4bCgIuwbcyZb7s

[@bucherwurm5344]

That was very interesting, thx

[@shaunarnold499]

Not good for the resume 😕

[@danielwanner8708]

no big deal ,put in insurance claim for minor damage and go on with life .

[@brucescott2649]

The tug damage will be paid by the ship owner. He kept pulling, so the tug captain was well aware of was going on. Using tugs is very expensive, and if you break it, you pay. It's still cheaper than fixing the cruise ship.

[@brianAS79]

Bad harbor pilot

[@robertmontgomery7158]

Hmmm, private firm or government employee? Little slow on the throttle

[@sumatrican5990]

I’m pretty sure judging by the exhaust that the tug was having engine trouble

[@masonlewisdiesel]

What makes you think that? I’m not talking crap or anything I just didn’t notice anything in particular I’ve been a diesel technician for 11 years now. But you learn something new every day, what made you have that assumption? If you don’t mind me asking.

[@sumatrican5990]

@@masonlewisdiesel i didn’t see any smoke from the exhaust so I assumed his engine wasn’t running but I watched it again and it looks more like he was just being conservative. Sounded like it was running too

[@mikeznel6048]

It was a woman “captain” here. That’s what the issue was. A feel good equal opportunity hire.

[@andersonazevedo7833]

Pilot and operators fault.

[@pierheadjump]

Watch closely- no wheel wash or black smoke - looks like loss of power⚓️

[@RDSCHACK]

Cause seems to be from an issue with the thrusters aboard the cruise ship.

[@325ydsallday]

Keith Madding he came ahead one time. You just can’t push against the ships at full power when you want to, even in that situation. That would cause an entirely different set of problems for the pilot and ships bridge crew just as they were trying to correct the first problem.

[@skylarker9]

I’m sure the guy was asking the pilot for permission to push. I am surprised he didn’t, though. One of those times where recording of the vhf really helps.

[@pierheadjump]

Royce Legg that’s a 6K hp boat & the position it’s in - I know I work there - the boat operator can keep the boat from getting damaged, the ship had plenty of room

[@tugboatamerica]

Wheelhouse not paying attention for sure

[@OnlyTheSmurf]

What was he doing in the position in the first place .looking for disaster to happen.the shipper should have known better,that ship was no help either.

[@knowledgeispowermediaprodu7094]

Maybe she didn't identify as "Princess" that day....did ya think of that? Huh? HUH?

[@BoatManBeats]

TERRIBLE Towboat operator, unless something went wrong with the props when he was pushed towards the beach ... What the hell is with not using your HPs ?! I want to see smoke outa those stacks in this situation. Use your power! Use your tools!

[@RDSCHACK]

Thomas Jacobson Hey! No need to blame the tug operator. Know those who were involved, rumor has it that the cruise ship Mate engaged the thrusters and they couldn’t be disengaged. Three pretty hefty thrusters at that

[@BoatManBeats]

@@RDSCHACK hey. Your right. Lotsa weight behind them cruiseships....

[@325ydsallday]

Thomas Jacobson if anything it’ll be terrible communication from the ships lookout. The operator did what he could as long as he could but had to bail out as to not create a larger incident.

[@captedenos]

@@RDSCHACK Yes, Most people have no idea that the cruise ships have thruster power in excess of what the tugs have. The cruise ships that typically call where I work (and here in San Francisco) have thruster power up around 8,000 to 10,000 HP. Most of the assist tugs are around 5,000 to 6,000 HP. So it's easy to see how, even at full throttle, the tug will be challenged against the deadweight of the ship and her thrusters working against the tug. Then add the wind factor, which nobody here has mentioned. I have to assume, knowing the berth these ships go to, there had to have been some current/and or wind, which is why the SFBP Pilots will have a tug (or two if the current is really strong!) to begin with.

[@stoehrcov]

Incompetent

[@6-Iron]

Pilots fault. 100%.

[@PatrioticTroll]

Looks fake to me.

[@marine-services_surveys]

You have to be very unprofessional to become in a position like that. The Tug Master and the Pilot are not qualified!!!

[@motormech1h343]

That went well