The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued an investigation report, regarding a collision between the US Coast Guard cutter Thetis and the dump scow barge 123, that was being pushed by the Panama-flagged towing vessel Matachin, in Las Cascadas Reach, Panama Canal, on 2 June 2016.
Although the Matachin and its tow were not damaged, the Thetis sustained an estimated $1.2 million in damage to the hull and deck plate aft, as well as to various systems in the steering gear room. There were no reports of injury or water pollution.
Probable Cause The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the collision between the Matachin tow and the US Coast Guard cutter Thetis was the failure of the master of the Matachin to maintain a proper lookout and use radar to detect the vessel traffic ahead to avoid a collision. Contributing to the collision was the failure of the pilot and the navigational crew on board the Thetis to maintain a proper lookout. USCG Actions Postaccident Since the accident, the Coast Guard cutter Thetis has implemented the following changes: Further details may be found in the official report:
