Tugboat Almost Capsizes - Indirect Towing Goes Wrong

Indirect towing almost capsizes this tugboat. Luckily they used the emergency release to escape disaster.

Video was made with an old VHS camera back in 1993. Hence the lower quality.

Video credits :

FB page : Marine Towing Maritime Training Center.

Thanks for the permission to upload this video!

[TheDecguy]

I remember reading in a book on towing, the advice on getting tripped, especially on the older tow boats was to “make peace with your maker”

[capnvicplate]

This is the final test of many that day with the tug attempting to control a disable tanker. This tug is equipped with two Aquamaster Z-drives under the bow and a small skeg under the H staple aft. The trials were run in San Francisco Bay. The 810 ft. Tanker was running at 10 to 11 knots and the tug was ordered to “Power’s Indirect to Starboard” to assist the tanker with a turn to port. The tug was broadside to the prop wash of the tanker which caused deckedge immersion. My understanding is that the wire and synthetic rope parted allowing the tug to right itself. I never heard any mention of the quick release being activated. There were many observers on board the tanker and tug. Fortunately no one was injured.

[leehaelters]

In memory of my uncle Dick, Chief Engineer on the Saratoga. Tossed into the East River, NYC one frigid winter night when the tow sank and stood his tug on its beam ends. The helmsman took a hard knock to head that dazed him. Incredibly, the tow line parted or was released, the vessel righted itself, and steamed on leaving my uncle behind in the drink. Lucky for us all, the helmsman cut through the fog and throttled down and Dick was rescued. Later, he told me how he and some of the crew had gone ashore earlier for dinner that night, and that was why he couldn’t kick off his shoes, which he normally left unlaced while aboard.

[Nic]

I almost did the same thing -- pulling up a stuck anchor. The anchor pulled the stern down to the waterline and nearly swamped the cockpit. Lesson learned-- when pulling up a stuck anchor, leave it on a bow cleat.

[dconel]

I've seen the original video, can't find it right now. In this vid the "quick release" of the towing hook is being tested. But this video keeps popping up with sensational titles like this..

[peterjames]

HEY mr shipping and harbors nice to have you back after so long

[JetDom]

Oh shit! Keep the videos coming ma dude!

[kenbtheman]

Wow, a lot of armchair tugboat captains here. Almost comical.

[krushpak]

Hey you are back. All the best to you gal

[alainmiclette]

This is not an indirect tow tug, neither is it a test, the master pounded the emergency release in time, otherwise they were mere seconds from being pulled under. Emergency releases are tested under load in controlled condition, not like this, this was real stuff.

[graham]

It's good to know how and when to release a tow line.

[jamiehall]

She wasn't anywhere near close to tipping over. It's called indirect bullying and the tractor tugs are designed to do that if things get start getting too sticky then as you saw he has a break in the Wheelhouse he can release and let the line freeze wheel. Very common for these tugboats though.

[graham]

Good to see towing is the same, hours of boredom with moments of sheer terror.
Had to add

[cmoneyCS]

Holy crap that’s right underneath the bay bridge in San Francisco.

[peterjames]

hey mr shipping and harbors how a bout a Christmas video mate

[markcardwell]

I was going to say I thought he was trying something and when it got to a point still within safety margins he let it go but to me it seemed like a perfectlly executed move. He's a Captain

[howarethingsindenver]

How many people are working on that tug???

[robertswift]

If the tow line was connected to the rear of the tug insteat of where it is wouldn't it spin the tug instead of trying to capsize it. I think connecting mid tug helps the props bind up better

[gravertje]

Ja dat was op het nippertje ja met de nieuwe multratug 32 of 33 heb je dat niet meer zeggen ze, ik ben weer wat van je te horen

[robertallen]

New title: Live...tugboat captain shits pants....