Captain distracted by phone call before Mississippi River tug and bulker collision

The NTSB noted that the Clara B was visible in the darkness and could have been identified on radar. Investigators concluded that the captain's nonoperational use of a personal electronic device led to a lack of situational awareness during the transit.

The Patrick J Studdert, owned by Shamrock Marine and operated by Buffalo Marine Service, was considered a total loss valued at over $2.3 million. The Clara B, operated by Blumenthal Asia, sustained minor hull damage estimated at $250,000 to repair.

A visible oil sheen was reported downriver following the sinking of the tug, which had 29,000 gallons (109,777 litres) of fuel on board. The NTSB remarked that personal electronic devices should never interfere with the primary task of a watchstander to maintain safety.