The 165 meter long, 23587 dwt ro-ro cargo vessel USS Harry L. Martin allided with the Mathews Bridge on the St. Johns River at Jacksonville, Florida.  A tug was towing the Martin at the time when the Martin’s stern ramp struck the central span.   No reports of injuries.   The bridge suffered significant damage and all road traffic has been suspended.  State authorities plan to send out inspectors to look at the damage and make a determination of the structure.

Authorities have placed a safety zone around the bridge and no river traffic is being permitted.  A river pilot was on board at the time of the incident.  The Martin was being towed to a ship yard in Jacksonville.