The probable cause of the collision between the multi-purpose carrier BBC Africa and the bulk carrier Common Faith in the Houston ship channel was a loss of primary steering control due to a component failure, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has determined. The agency also found that a delayed response from the ship’s crew in implementing the emergency steering procedure was a contributing factor.
The collision occurred on August 25, 2023, as the BBC Africa was departing the Manchester Terminal. Soon after the pilot transferred steering control from the port bridge wing to the centre helm, the rudder swung hard to port, contrary to the pilot’s starboard rudder commands. The master regained control using the emergency override after about a minute, but it was too late to prevent the vessel from striking the moored Common Faith.
The incident resulted in no injuries or pollution, but the combined damage to both vessels was estimated at $1,175,000. The NTSB's investigation was hampered as the BBC Africa’s simplified-voyage data recorder (S-VDR) was inoperative at the time of the casualty.
Based on crew statements and post-casualty testing, investigators concluded that the steering control failure was likely due to a failing micro switch in the port bridge wing tiller, an issue the manufacturer had previously highlighted in a safety bulletin.
"Had the crew more quickly identified the issue or initiated the override function, they would have gained control of the rudder earlier," the NTSB report stated.