Here is a great video posted by Eric Jackson at The Panama News of a near miss between two vessels in the canal.

WHOOOAH!

A video of a video, the original almost certainly by the Panama Canal Authority and almost certainly unauthorized, of a near miss in the Atlantic approach to the Gatun Locks. It appears that the red ship went out of control. Can we say nasty things about the Panama Canal and the way it is run? Perhaps. However, it seems that somebody’s quick thinking did avert a tragedy. Whatever critical things might be truthfully said, the ACP has assembled a collection of talented professionals.

Editor’s note: the following is a pilot’s explanation, as posted on the Facebook page that is an extension of The Panama News:

“Just to clarify this. The pilot on the southbound (red hull chenical tanker loaded) was sailing a little faster than normal at this location of the canal. He had a tug assigned to assist entering Gatún Locks. He decides to make the tug fast “cut style” which is directly aft with two lines, one on each side of the stern, in order to slow the vessel down. Experience and good tug master do this without touching the stern. That particular tug is an omnidireccional tug. The tug “master” pushed the stern of the ship while making up and the pilot lost control. The northbound (black hull chemical tanker) order the starbord anchor to go but the crew on the bow ran away when they saw the imminent colission. He had no option than to steam ahead with starboard rudder to avoid collision. It was a hell of a maneuver from both pilots to avoid a horrible accident. That is why pilots get paid their salaries. And by the way, we are below, way below, the average pay for pilots world wide.” — Rafael Méndez Priscus