Post- crash picture of Stretch Duck 7 [Image: NTSB]
The Coast Guard is performing a Marine Board of Investigation (MBI) right into the dangerous July 2018 sinking of the DUKW-type aquatic vessel Stretch Duck 7 in which 17 individuals shed their lives. The Coast Guard states “it will consider implementation of further safety measures for DUKWs at the conclusion of the MBI.” In the meanwhile it has actually released a Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB Number: 15-20) that suggests that vessel proprietors and also drivers of DUKW traveler vessels get rid of covers, side drapes, and also linked overhanging framework to enhance emergency situation egress for travelers and also staff.
This is not the very first time that drivers of these vessels have actually been advised to take this action.
The MSIB keeps in mind that adhering to the sinking of the DUKW Miss Majestic in 1999 [in which 13 people died], the NTSB and also Coast Guard discovered the vessel did not have adequate get buoyancy to continue to be afloat and also upright when swamped. Additionally, the cover and also side drapes limited traveler egress. In feedback, the Coast Guard created a Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 1-01 that in-depth functional demands and also outlined an equal degree of security to various other vessels certificated under 46 Code of Federal Regulations Subchapter T for things such as alterations sideways drapes to enhance emergency situation egress.
During its initial NTSB examination of the Stretch Duck 7 event, the NTSB editioned a safety recommendation to the Coast Guard relating to the elimination of covers on DUKW vessels that do not have adequate get buoyancy to survive when swamped.
The MSIB states the initial searchings for of the Coast Guard’s Stretch Duck 7 MBI straighten with the NTSB’s suggestion to get rid of DUKW covers in order to make sure emergency situation egress is not restrained.
According to the MSIB, proprietors and also drivers choosing to get rid of covers need to collaborate with their regional Coast Guard Officer in Charge of Marine Inspection (OCMI) and also the Marine Safety Center to prepare an assessment and also security testimonial before recommencing procedures. All vessel drivers are advised that they need to constantly comply with the demands detailed on the vessel’s Certificate of Inspection (COI), paying certain interest to wind and also wave constraints to guarantee they will certainly not be surpassed throughout of each trip.
Download the MSIB HERE
