Coast Guard Begins Hearings Into Delta Mariner Allision

Posted in Kentucky Maritime News on April 16, 2012

The USCG was slated to begin its hearings into the January incident involving the U.S.-flagged M/V Delta Mariner that struck a western Kentucky bridge in January, the AP reports.   

As we reported previously, the Delta Mariner mysteriously allided with the Eggner Ferry Bridge over Kentucky Lake on the night of January 26th while on a “typical route” from Decatur, Ala., to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.  Although the vessel was not severely damaged and no injuries were reported, the incident ended with a nearly 300 foot span of twisted metal from the bridge laying across the bow of the Delta Mariner and raised many questions as to how the incident could have happened.

The Coast Guard and the National Transportation and Safety Board are jointly investigating the crash and the hearings were scheduled to begin today at Paducah City Hall and will continue everyday until finished.

The vessel is owned and operated Foss Maritime, generally transporting rocket boosters and components for United Launch Alliance.

The accident is an  example that offshore and marine accidents can and do happen during routine transits and operations.  Luckily in this case no one was injured but could have easily resulted in the loss of life or injury.  If you are a U.S. mariner and find yourself injured while onboard a vessel it’s always a good idea to find a good Jones Act lawyer by state.