NTSB Opens Docket on Investigation Into The Collision Between Two Vessels in Texas

WASHINGTON - In its continuing investigation into the collision between the Elka Apollon and the MSC Nederland in the Houston Ship Channel in Texas, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened the public docket.

On October 29, 2011, the 799-foot Greek-registered chemical tanker Elka Apollon, outbound in the Houston Ship Channel, collided with the 778-foot inbound Panamanian-registered container vessel MSC Nederland. The collision occurred south of the Bayport Ship Channel intersection near navigation beacons 75 and 76. There were no injuries as a result of the accident.

The information being released is factual in nature and does not provide any analysis. The docket includes: interview summaries, crew statements, and other documents. The docket material is currently available at: http://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms/search/hitlist.cfm?docketID=51957&CFID=169291&CFTOKEN=45934711.

Additional material will continue to be added to the docket as it becomes available. Analysis of the accident, along with conclusions and a determination of probable cause will come at a later date when the final report on the investigation is completed.