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Month: July 2011

Runaway Barge

Runaway Barge

A barge on the Columbia River broke free from its moorings downriver of the Dalles Dam.   The 80 to 100 foot barge floated down the river for 5 miles before going aground.   The local Sherriff’s office reported the runaway barge to the Coast Guard.   The Coast Guard dispatched personnel to the scene.   An inspection of the barge showed that it had no hazardous materials and was no threat to navigation.    Later the same day the Sherriff’s office reported the barge had refloated and floated further down the Columbia until grounding again near Lyle, Washington.   Contractors arrived later with a tug to secure the barge.

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Wild West Sinking

Wild West Sinking

The Denver Fire Department received noticed that their Fire Boat No. 13  sank on Lake Norman while moored at berth.   The vessel was found lying sunk on its starboard side.   A salvage firm was called and was able to raise the fire boat.  The vessel had leaked some oil pollution, but salvagers were able to contain and remove it.   The fire boat will be pulled out of the lake to be repaired.  Another fire boat was damaged by gunfire just prior to the sinking.   Multiple Agencies are conducting an investigation into the incident.

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Collision on the Rhine

Collision on the Rhine

The 85 meter long inland freighter Petershagen collided with the self-propelled tanker LRG 26 on the Rhine River below the castle at Trechingshausen, Germany.   The two vessels were heard exchanging singals before residents heard a loud bang.   The two vessels had collided head-on.   The Petershagen loaded with a cargo of sand suffered water ingress in the bow, but was able reach a nearby dock.  The LRG 26, loaded with 880 tones of caustic soda, sustained severe damage to its bow with extensive flooding.   The tanker’s cargo tanks had remained intact avoiding a toxic mix of pollution reaching the Rhine.    Pumps and pontoons were brought to the tanker to get the water ingress under control.   Reports state the LRG 26 remains at anchor until water can be pumped out and the vessel finds the nearest suitable point to unload its cargo.   The Petershagen discharged some of its cargo, but later reports stated the vessel suffered rudder damage.    No one was injured in the collision.   The cause of the collision has not been released, but the Water Police will be conducting an investigation.

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