By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

A US Coast Guard report has sharply criticised a local tour boat operator, revealing “serious deficiencies” and “significant” maritime risks after investigating the disappearance of an American teen who reportedly jumped overboard from one of its vessels two years ago.

The report also hits out at the government’s “lack of co-operation”, which it said hampered the safety and effectiveness of the investigation.

The findings centre on the US coast guard’s investigations into the 2023 disappearance of Texas graduate Cameron Robbins.

Robbins was aboard the Blackbeard’s Revenge on May 24 2023 with over 300 high school graduates when he jumped aboard near Athol Island.

Local law enforcement along with the US Coast Guard and private vessels, immediately searched the area for the teen after the incident, with negative results.

The Coast Guard’s investigation raised concerns about the Blackbeard’s safety measures and crew readiness.

The report found that the pirate-themed vessel’s safety management system (SMS) did not match the capabilities of its crew or equipment at the time Robbins went overboard.

Specifically, life rings lacked water-activated lights and retroreflective tape, which are crucial for visibility in low light. Some tether lines were unsecured, and the vessel’s deck and navigation lights provided minimal illumination, forcing crew to rely on handheld flashlights until floodlights were activated.

Additionally, the report found no conclusive evidence that GPS was available or used at the helm to aid rescue efforts.

The report also claimed the vessel was “under-manned”, alleging that the captain asked a passenger to take the helm while the Blackbeard’s Revenge drifted, allowing the captain to go forward and drop the vessel’s anchor.

Alcohol consumption onboard was inadequately controlled, the report found.

It said Mr Robbins showed signs of intoxication prior to boarding and reportedly consumed multiple alcoholic drinks during the cruise. However, no policies existed to limit alcohol sales or to identify and restrict underage drinkers, despite the group consisting of recent high school graduates.

Beyond these operational failures, the report highlighted systemic regulatory shortcomings within the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA).

The report claimed the BMA declined to classify the incident as a marine casualty, citing the jump as voluntary—contradicting US regulations that require investigation of any incident resulting in death or serious injury, regardless of intent.

Investigators also faced significant obstacles, claiming that despite repeated diplomatic efforts, including US State Department notes, phone calls, and correspondence, they were unable to access witness transcripts, interview summaries, or other typical evidence.

Requests to interview the vessel’s captain, crew, and owners were also ignored, the report added.

It said the vessel’s operator provided no information and directed investigators back to the government. Investigators were also denied access to board the vessel or visit the accident site, severely limiting the inquiry.

The report further found that minimum safe manning requirements for domestic vessels are absent except for the captain.

Annual inspections were described as “particularly non-specific”, lacking thorough review of crew qualifications, vessel stability, and emergency drill procedures. Licensing standards for captains were minimal, with no endorsements required for passenger carriage or hazardous operations.

In its conclusion, the US Coast Guard highlighted the need for urgent reforms to address variations in safety equipment, crew training, and operational oversight.

It warned that without significant improvements in regulatory standards and enforcement, the country will continue to face serious risks to passenger safety and the potential for similar tragedies.

The report recommended that the Bahamas Maritime Authority promptly review and upgrade safety equipment standards, including fitting life rings with retroreflective tape and water-activated lights.

It also called for vessels to carry rescue craft and automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), set proper passenger capacities , establish minimum crew manning levels, and implement regular crew training and emergency drills tailored to each vessel’s specific requirements.