Vessel #1 was idling down bound the Old Cuyahoga River bed, towards the main channel.  The channel was limited for navigation, as Vessel #2 was unloading sand on the northern side of the channel.  Vessel #2 was tied up by 4 cables, however was still prone to movement, as it was not against any fixed structure.  Vessel #2’s port stern quarter stuck out a significant distance into the channel.  The operator of Vessel #1 believed that he could pass Vessel #2 with no problems, because he had watched a larger vessel just ahead of him.  As Vessel #1 was making the pass of Vessel #2, Vessel #2 drifted towards the southern side of the channel.  The drift of Vessel #2 was enough to close the gap, pinning the bow of Vessel #1 between Vessel #2 and a tire fender on the southern wall of the channel.  Vessel #1 has a beam of 8’4” and was pinched at the curvature of its bow.  The operator of Vessel #1 stated that the incident happened very quickly after he decided to go, and that he didn't hear any signal from Vessel #2.
Cleveland