The NTSB has determined that the September 11, 2024 contact between the towing vessel Schweiger and the U.S. Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment docks near Ilwaco, Washington was caused by the vessel’s captain falling asleep while navigating, likely due to fatigue associated with an acute COVID-19 infection. The incident occurred when Schweiger veered out of the Baker Bay West Channel and struck the station docks, resulting in an estimated $750,000 in infrastructure damage and a spill of approximately 20 gallons of diesel fuel, though no injuries were reported and the vessel itself was undamaged. Investigators found that while the captain reported sufficient sleep in the days prior, sleep quality was likely impaired by illness, increasing fatigue and the risk of falling asleep at the helm. The report also noted the captain’s use of ivermectin—an unapproved COVID-19 treatment—which carries warnings of potential neurotoxic side effects including drowsiness, confusion, and altered consciousness. The NTSB emphasized that mariners must exercise caution when using medications that could impair alertness or performance, underscoring the importance of fitness for duty to ensure vessel, crew, and infrastructure safety.