Added Sunday

Mississippi River At Memphis, Tennessee

Report:  Pilot Decision, Lack Of Oversight Cause Tow Vessel Sinking........

The National Transportation Safety Board recently determined that a decision made by the pilot while traveling down the Mississippi River and inadequate company oversight led to the sinking of a tow vessel on December 8, 2017, which caused the death of Anquavious Newson, and the presumed death of his step-father, Keith Pigram.  Pigram was never found.

The report reveals that the pilot decided to travel up river without securing the deck hatches at a speed that pushed water on the deck, flooding the voids.  It also notes that the Wepfer Marine, owner of the Ricky Robinson, did not provide the needed oversight that would have made sure that the crews kept the deck hatches closed.  The company also did not address continual "watertight issues with the voids".

Reportedly, the Ricky Robinson was near Mississippi River Mile Marker 733, approximately three miles downstream of Mud Island, when the vessel began to take on water.  The pilot did make a distress call, however, the vessel sank before help could arrive.  Responders spent several hours searching for the vessel and the missing crew members.  About a week later, the vessel was raised, and Newson's body was recovered........

Click here to read this news story from wreg.com.  With Photos.