Question 2436 Deck General

The correct answer is D) The tow will overrun the tug. When the main engine of the tug suddenly fails, the tug loses the power to maintain control and keep the barge under tow. Without engine power, the tug will be unable to prevent the much larger and heavier barge from overtaking and potentially running over the tug. This poses the greatest danger in this situation, as the tow could literally overrun and crush the tug. The other options, while potentially problematic, are not the greatest danger. The tug and tow may run aground, but that is a secondary concern compared to the barge overrunning the tug. The tow could endanger other traffic or block the channel, but these are also less immediate threats than the tow overtaking the tug.