American port pilot was driving the crashed mexican navy ship on the Brooklyn bridget

Although McAllister Towing has operated for over 160 years as a family-owned maritime company, it has not been entirely free of incidents or controversies. Below are some otjer of the most notable events:

⚖️ Internal legal disputes

In the 1990s, the company faced a major legal battle between two key shareholders: Brian McAllister and William Kallop. Both claimed majority ownership. The dispute ended in 1996 with a reorganization: McAllister retained control over towing operations, while Kallop took over oil exploration and production businesses.

⚠️ Operational and environmental incidents timeline

2025 Brooklyn Bridge Crash (ARM Cuauhtémoc Incident)

• Date: May 18, 2025W

  • What Happened? The Mexican Navy tall ship ARM Cuauhtémoc struck the Brooklyn Bridge while being driven by an American port pilot  and escorted by McAllister Towing’s tugboat Charles D. McAllister. 

  • Casualties: 2 crew members died, 19 injured (due to collapsing masts).

  • Cause: The tugboat reportedly disengaged too early, leading to the ship losing control and hitting the bridge at full reverse speed.

  • Aftermath: Investigations are ongoing, with scrutiny on tugboat procedures and harbor conditions.

  • Source: PBS NewsHour

• 2013 – Sinking of the tug Kaleen McAllister: This tug sank in the Port of Baltimore after striking a submerged object, spilling around 2,400 gallons of diesel and causing an estimated $1.5 million in damages.

• 2019 – Collision on the Elizabeth River, Virginia: The tug G.M. McAllister collided with port infrastructure while assisting the bulk carrier Ijssel Confidence. The NTSB concluded the probable cause was excessive vessel speed and poor communication between the pilot and tug crews.

• ⚠️ 2015 Oil Spill in the East River

  • Date: February 2015

  • Incident: A tugboat operated by McAllister Towing was involved in a collision near the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which resulted in a spill of approximately 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel into the East River.

  • Environmental Impact: The spill led to the temporary closure of nearby waterfront areas for cleanup and containment. Local authorities monitored water quality and wildlife health in the affected zone.

  • Outcome: McAllister Towing cooperated with the U.S. Coast Guard during the investigation and response efforts. However, the company faced public criticism for delays in initiating containment measures, raising concerns about the adequacy of its emergency preparedness at the time.

• Environmental Incidents

  2013 – Sinking of the Tugboat Kaleen McAllister

  On May 4, 2013, the harbor assist tug Kaleen McAllister sank in Baltimore Harbor after striking a submerged obstruction. The incident resulted in the discharge of approximately 2,400 gallons of diesel fuel into the harbor and caused an estimated $1.5 million in vessel damages. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated the incident and published a detailed report on the findings. NTSB+1McAllister Towing+1

• 2012 – Fire aboard Patrice McAllister: A fire broke out on this tug in Lake Ontario, resulting in the death of the chief engineer. The crew was rescued by the Canadian Coast Guard.

Legal claims and controversies

• 2010 – Damage to naval facilities: McAllister Towing was ordered to pay $2.5 million to the U.S. government for damages caused by one of its tugs to a naval installation in Norfolk, Virginia.

• 2025 – Incident with the Mexican training ship ARM Cuauhtémoc: Recently, McAllister Towing was involved in a tragic event in New York Harbor that led to the deaths of two crew members aboard the Mexican Navy’s training vessel. The company expressed sorrow and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation, but has declined further comment.

• ⚖️ Internal Shareholder Dispute (1990s)

  In the early 1990s, McAllister Towing experienced a significant internal conflict between two principal stakeholders: Brian A. McAllister, Chairman of the Board, and William M. Kallop, President. The dispute centered on the ownership of company shares. Kallop asserted he held 100 shares, making him the majority shareholder, while McAllister contended that a 1979 agreement reduced Kallop’s holdings to 99 shares, equalizing their ownership. MarineLink+1AnyLaw+1

  The disagreement led to legal proceedings in the Delaware Court of Chancery. In 1995, the court ruled in favor of McAllister, validating the 1979 agreement. The decision was upheld by the Delaware Supreme Court in 1996. To prevent the company from being auctioned due to the impasse, a reorganization was agreed upon: Brian McAllister retained the tugboat and transportation operations, while Kallop took over the oil exploration and production divisio

While these events may not be considered full-blown scandals, they reflect the challenges and risks inherent in maritime operations. McAllister Towing has faced them by cooperating with authorities. 

In 2022, East Coast ship-assist giant McAllister Towing announced Thursday that its longtime chairman, Capt. Brian A. McAllister.  Brian McAllister was part of the fourth generation of McAllisters to run the firm, which is now under the management of the fifth generation of family ownership. Read more.