||| FROM MYNORTHWEST.COM |||
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found human error was to blame for the crash of a Washington State Ferries (WSF) vessel with 94 people on board.
There was only one minor injury, but the crash cost $10.6 million in damages to the boat and the piling (called a dolphin).
The Cathlamet had crossed the Puget Sound and was approaching the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal on July 28, 2022, when it struck the ferry terminal dolphin.
Officially, the NTSB reported fatigue and complacency of the master was to blame.
The master, who had the helm, stopped rudder commands about 30 seconds before the contact. The master did not take any action to correct the ferry’s course, slow down or sound the alarm before the contact. He also did not recall what happened and seemed unaware of how the ferry ended up striking the dolphin.
Investigators found these events were all consistent with incapacitation from a microsleep, a brief period of sleep lasting a few seconds, due to fatigue.
Related story: WSF blames ship captain for Cathlamet ferry crash
“Fatigue affects all aspects of human performance, including decision-making, alertness, and reaction time,” NTSB investigators said in the final report. “Mariners should understand the performance effects of sleep loss and recognize the dangers of fatigue, such as microsleeps. When affected by fatigue, mariners should arrange for a qualified watchstander to serve in their place and avoid being on duty when unable to safely carry out their responsibilities.”
The captain of the ferry that day resigned several days after the accident, according to a spokesperson for Washington State Ferries (WSF) in 2022. His identity was not released.
