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Month: March 2011

Barges Strike Bridge, Two Sink

Barges Strike Bridge, Two Sink

Natchez–Vidalia Bridge

A towboat with 20 barges loaded with coal struck the center pier of the Westbound lanes of the Natchez–Vidalia Bridge which crosses over the Mississippi River.   Local residents reported that the collision was loud enough to hear along the bluffs overlooking the river.  Officials closed the bridge for several hours to inspect the bridge.   The inspections found no problems stating the damage was limited to a few scrapes on the pier.  Two of the 20 barges sank after the collision.  One is in deep water directly under the bridge while the other is downriver on the right bank.   The barge owners stated they will be working with a salvage company to recover both barges. 


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Alpsray Explosion

Alpsray Explosion

The 1125 ts inland tanker Alpsray exploded while berthed at the BP refinery at Lingen, Germany.   The Alpsray was being loaded with premium fuel when a fire broke out.   The fire quickly enveloped the Alpsray and there were several explosions.    The five crew members on board the Alpsray were safely rescued.   One crewman had to be treated for minor injuries.    Local firefighters were able to get the fire under control using an extinguishing foam.     Reports state traffic on the Dortmund-Ems Canal had to be stopped due to this incident.   Initial estimates state the damage will be in the millions.   Pollution has been released.   The cause of the explosion is not known, but negligent arson is suspected.

Link to a video from Germany

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Condor Vitesse Collision

Condor Vitesse Collision

Reports state the 86 meter long, 350 dwt high speed ferry Condor Vitesse collided with the fishing vessel La Marquise off the Minquiers Islands located between Jersey and the coast of France.  The ferry head left St Malo, France, and heading to St Helier, Jersey when there was a loud bang.    Some passengers began to panic that the ferry was about to sink.  In fact, the sound was the La Marquise breaking up.   The Condor Vitesse’s starboard bow had sliced into the trawler. The collision threw the three men on board the La Marquise into the water.   Two were quickly rescued and the third crewman was later found, but unconscious.   He did not recover and died while in hospital.  Reports state that visibility was limited to just 30 meters due to the heavy fog.   The Condor Vitesse bow was damaged, but the vessel was able to proceed under its own power back to port.   Reports state no passengers were injured.  French authorities are conducting an investigation into the incident.

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