An empty oil tanker crashed into the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge last week, providing a reminder that even the largest ships being guided by the most experienced captains stand a chance of being involved in a serious accident.

The tanker was piloted by captain Guy Kleess and, according to the Associated Press, he was a skilled and elite ship captain. But this wasn’t his first accident, they say. Still, Kleess was a member of a small and elite group of ship captains that was trained in navigating the narrow waterways of Northern California in a big vessel.

The 752-foot Overseas Reymar is an oil tanker. At the time of the crash, however, it was empty, only carrying fuel for the ship itself. No one was injured, though the crash has been classified as a “major marine casualty” simply due to the dollar value of the property damage. The damage exceeded $500,000.

Federal investigators have interviewed crew members and are continuing to investigate the cause of the accident. Alcohol has been ruled out, though human error is still a possibility. Also, visibility was only about a quarter-mile at the time of the accident.

The National Transportation Safety Board says Kleess was involved in three prior accidents, two of which were considered his fault. But the agency says that none of the accidents were reflective of his skill.

“Only our most elite pilots go up there,” said agency chief Allen Garfinkle of the inland waterways of Northern California. “It takes a special person to do that type of work.”

The bridge was able to remain open following the accident, though it did sustain some damage to the “fender material.” The superstructure of the bridge is said to be fine.

Crew members say the ship lost no steering or propulsion before or after the accident and that there were no water leaks from any of the ballast tanks. Also, following the accident, officials say, no fuel leaked into the Bay area.

Marine accidents have the potential to be catastrophic. In this case, no one was injured. But many ship accidents aren’t so fortunate. From crew members to passengers on a dinner cruise or recreational boat—there are many people who could be tossed about upon impact.

If you are hurt in a boat accident, I may be able to help. I am a Houston personal injury lawyer and am experienced in helping people who are hurt in accidents through no fault of their own. If this is you, contact me today.