the initial discovery of the problem with the vessel's propulsion system occurred when the barberi's chief engineer went up to the pilothouse after the collision. the engineer found that even though the pitch levers were in the neutral position, the propeller pitch indicator for the new york-end unit read out 50% thrust. this indication was confirmed by the stream of water that was being pushed away from the stern of the vessel. the chief engineer then unsuccessfully attempted to bring the propulsion unit to zero pitch using the pilothouse controls. control of the propulsion units was transferred to the engine room, where the crew used the units’ local controls to bring the pitch to zero. when the crew later attempted to back the barberi out of the terminal using these local controls, both propulsion units functioned normally.