The U.S. Coast Guard issues findings of concern to disseminate information related to unsafe conditions that were identified as causal factors in a casualty and could contribute to future incidents. Findings of concern are intended to educate the public, state, or local agencies about the conditions discovered so they may address the findings with an appropriate voluntary action or highlight existing applicable company policies or state/local regulations.
On May 7, 2025, a towing vessel allided with a vertical lift bridge while transiting northbound on the Vermilion River in Perry, Louisiana during rising river conditions. The investigation revealed that the vessel’s Master miscalculated the bridge’s available clearance. This was due in part to relying on outdated river level data, which did not reflect rapidly changing conditions. Additionally, there were no effective means available for the Master to determine the actual vertical clearance upon approach.