Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 5, 1990 TAG: 9007050116
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium
"I assumed I was in fine shape and was confident that I would soon see my buoy" marking the southern boundary of the east-west channel, Capt. Richard L. Counselman Jr. told a Coast Guard-National Transportation Safety Board panel investigating the collision.
Tuesday, the pilot aboard the inbound Neptune Jade put the position of the accident at the northern boundary of the 1,800-foot-wide channel.
"My opinion is I believe the Columbus America was way too far north," said Capt. John A. Jones.
Neither ship plotted the exact position of the accident.
The accident occurred during a rain squall with 40-knot winds from the north and visibility severely limited.
Counselman said he was forced to steer somewhat north of his planned course as he exited the harbor to avoid an outbound tugboat and a sailboat.
Meanwhile, U.S. Coast Guard officials said the cleanup of spilled fuel oil was complete. About 30,000 gallons of No.4 fuel oil spilled into the bay.
"We still have a lot of work left on the Elizabeth River," said Capt. Eugene K. Johnson, commander of the Coast Guard's Marine Safety Office in Norfolk.
Richard G. Ashworth, an attorney representing Columbus America, earlier questioned Jones as to his course and speed. Using data from the course recorders, Ashworth asked if the Neptune Jade's course wasn't 20 degrees farther south than Jones recalled.
Jones vehemently denied that was possible.
The investigation is expected to take at least six months before recommendations are forwarded to the commandant of the Coast Guard and the NTSB. The panel is to hear testimony from both crews and crews of other boats in the vicinity of the accident.
by CNB