USNS Alan Shepard Runs Aground Off Bahrain Coast Due to Captain's Absence

On July 15, the USNS Alan Shepard, a cargo ship with 85 crew members, ran aground off the coast of Bahrain while waiting for a harbor pilot. The incident occurred when the ship's master, Captain Adel Desouki, left the bridge to eat dinner, leaving a junior third officer in charge.

According to an investigation by the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), the ship had completed a maintenance period and was headed to a port in Bahrain when it was diverted to an area just offshore to wait for a pilot. The master took the ship to the designated waiting area and then handed control to the third officer, instructing him to proceed as planned and keep the ship within the waiting area.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the importance of adherence to safety protocols and proper bridge management, as a single mistake can have significant consequences for the crew, the ship, and the environment. It also underscores the need for continued training and vigilance among naval officers to prevent such incidents in the future.

However, the third officer became distracted by a fishing vessel and lost awareness of the ship's position in shallow waters, resulting in the grounding. The investigative summary found that the third officer "was not cognizant of the ship's position in relation to the shoals and shallow water while he was maneuvering the vessel."

The investigation noted that the Alan Shepard's standing orders dictate "the master will be on the bridge" when the ship is in shallow water. It cited the failure of the ship's top officers to follow their own rules as one of the factors that led to the incident, which was a clear case of negligence.

It wasn't until the next day, with the help of a rising tide and tugs, that the ship was finally freed from the sand. Subsequent inspections revealed only minor scratches to the ship's hull, indicating no significant damage occurred.

The USNS Alan Shepard, launched in 2006, is capable of accommodating more than 120 crew members, all of whom are civilian mariners holding a U.S. Coast Guard License. The vessel primarily serves to transport cargo and other supplies to naval ships at sea and is currently stationed in the Middle East, supporting the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and its strike group.

The incident highlights the importance of proper bridge management and the potential consequences of distracted or inexperienced officers in charge of a vessel. With adherence to standing orders and vigilance, such incidents can be prevented in the future, ensuring the safety of the crew and the ship.

Key Takeaways

• USNS Alan Shepard ran aground off Bahrain coast on July 15.
• Captain left bridge for dinner, leaving junior officer in charge.
• Third officer became distracted, lost awareness of ship's position.
• Investigation found negligence, failure to follow standing orders.
• Ship freed with minor damage, highlighting importance of bridge management.