In addition, the handling of the vessels by the respective captains has been described as “seriously negligent,” as the Sea Hauler had onboard eight times more than the number of passengers authorised by the Port Authority, carrying probably as many as 191 passengers. The United Star carried as many as 31 passengers without any kind of approval.
Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin revealed these findings during a communication in the House of Assembly on Wednesday.
The report speaks to the fact that both vessels were undermanned, which impacted the ability to keep a proper navigational watch.
“The collision resulted from the failure of the captain of each collision ship to maintain a navigational watch at all material times. Both captains failed to discharge their duties and contributed to the collision and that the failings of the deckhands caused it,” it was revealed.
More specifically, the report said, with greater experience, skill and responsiveness, the collision, if not avoided altogether, “could have been rendered substantively less forceful.”
During the pre-dawn hours of Aug. 2, the Sea Hauler, headed for the Cat Island Emancipation regatta, collided with the United Star, a barge enroute to Nassau. Four people were killed in the accident, including 14-year-old Lynden Riley, 38-year-old Livingstone Seymour, and sisters Brenda Smith-Ellis, 40, and Brennell Smith-Leslie, 29. Twenty-five others were injured.
The accident occurred in waters between Eleuthera and the Exumas.
Besides attributing the blame to the captains of both vessels, the Wreck Commission also determined that the collision occurred partly because of omissions by the Port Department, which has the responsibility for establishing a system to ensure safety at sea.
“The system failed in that it permitted an unsafe number of passengers to board the MV Sea Hauler and allowed the MV United Star to depart with passengers without approval of any kind. The Port Department failed to adequately consider all factors affecting a realistic determination of the numbers of passengers for whom approval should have been given, failed to obtain vital information from passengers and other persons before boarding them, and failed to carry out stipulations contained in the approval letter by Port official, and no fire and emergency drills were conducted by Port officials,” the report outlined.
In addition, the Bahamas Maritime Authority, which has traditionally had responsibility for the management and oversight of the country’s shipping, failed to carry out the safety inspections prior to the departure of the vessels.
According to Minister Hanna-Martin, a number of recommendations were subsequently proposed, such as fixing the mandatory minimum and maximum number of crewmembers and their required competencies, which must be sufficient and efficient for the voyage, and permitting no voyage in the absence of adequate personal injury insurance coverage.
Further, it was advised that sufficient vital information should be obtained to identify each passenger, fire and safety drills should be carried out and a reformed system for the dispatch of vessels should be put in place including the boarding of passengers with prepaid tickets only.
It was highlighted that a national action plan be implemented for the management of disasters at sea including addressing the “unmet needs of victims.”
The report observes that what is most needed is a new understanding by all the stakeholders of their respective roles.
“Aug. 2, 2003 was a dark day in the history of The Bahamas, but it was also a day when Bahamians and others exhibited remarkable courage, love and selflessness,” Minister Hanna-Martin said. “I speak of those on the vessels themselves who in the face of unexpected tragedy came to the fore and took emergency action to help the injured and comfort those in fear; I speak of those involved in the rescue efforts and in the traumatic aftermath.”
She pointed to the captains and crew of the Sherece M and the MV Captain Moxey, the Royal Bahamas Police and Defence Forces, the United States Coast Guard, Bahamas Fast Ferries, the Ministry of Health and the Public Hospitals Authority, and the church community.
The minister has pledged to make the necessary changes in systems and legislation within a defined timeline.
By KEVA LIGHTBOURNE, Guardian Staff Reporter
