The 88 meter long, 2362 dwt coastal freighter Union Topaz allided with the sea lock at Terneuzen, Netherlands. The Union Topaz suffered damage to its bow and the lock suffered damage. The cause of the allision was due to a navigation error. No reports of injuries or pollution being released. The Union Topaz was en route to Boston from Ghent.
The barge Ivan Batam went aground on coral reefs off Taytay, Palawan, Philippines. The barge was loaded with 8000 tons of charcoal was headed to Manila when strong winds broke the towline. The tugboat was unable to reconnect the line before the winds drove the barge aground. The Philippine Coast Guard responded and rescued 15 crewmen from the vessel. No reports of injuries or pollution being released. Authorities are conducting a survey of the reefs for damage while an the barge is inspected for damage. The barge is to be pulled free at the next high tide with the assistance from another tugboat.
The 72 foot wooden vessel St. Mary sank in Blind Bay, Shaw Island, Washington. The vessel was reported to the Coast Guard and Washington State authorities that the vessel sank with 50 gallons of diesel fuel on board. A thin sheen of oil was spotted on the surface. No reports of any injuries. Authorities have contracted divers to remove the remaining oil from the sunken vessel and perform an environmental cleanup of any pollution released. The cause of the sinking was not released.
