Incident Report

This is the incident report I sent to BoatUS

Grounding of the DIXIE IV

On Thursday, April 14, 2011 the DIXIE IV got underway at 0635 heading north on the ICW from the Isle of Palms Marina, ICW MM 458, with the owners, Chester and Anne Marks, operating the vessel. Visibility at the marina was clear. Dense fog suddenly closed in about 1.5 miles north of the marina. The intent was to turn and return to the marina but the vessel ran hard aground on the west side of the ICW between markers 111 and 110. As it grounded a loud noise from the stern was heard. The tide was falling. A call to TowBoatUS dispatch resulted in a tow boat arriving about 0750. By then, the rapidly falling tide made it impossible to pull the boat off. It was obvious that we were going to have to wait for the next high tide which was timed for 1737. Concerned about possible rolling over as the water dropped the crew, including two cats, were taken to the marina by the tow boat. About 1400 a more powerful Tow BoatUs vessel came back to take us to the boat, which did not roll over. The boat was ungrounded about 1430, but as was feared, the rudder would not operate and was stuck in the extreme starboard position. With difficulty, the towboat towed the vessel back to the marina where it was successfully tied up. Arrangements were made for a technician from City Boat Yard to come assess the steering situation.

At 1345 on Friday, April 15, 2011, the technician arrived and quickly determined that the rudder had been pushed hard to starboard overriding the rudder stop which was almost pulled out of the fiberglass base. The hydraulic cylinder shaft was bent 45 degrees and moved slightly to the starboard side ripping out 3 of the 5 bolts holding it down. The technician was able to release the rudder from the starboard stop and we were able to return the rudder to the center position. The technician felt, and the owners agreed, that it was impractical, even dangerous, to move the boat under its own power with the damage that was apparent. The technician felt that the (1)rudder had to be pulled to check alignment,(2) The rudder stop support be re-fiberglassed and(3) the hydraulic cylinder be replaced and its mounting re-enforced. When the system is further examined, more may be required.

We have arranged for the boat to be towed to the City Boat Yard on Monday, April 18. The boat is scheduled to be pulled Tuesday morning, April 19.

As of 1647 on Friday, April 15, 2011, this is where we are. Any questions or comments may be directed to CD Marks at email cmarks2@suddenlink.net or cell phone 252-671-7321.