The 185 meter long bulk carrier Nord Explorer ran aground on the Delaware River near Riverton, New Jersey. The Nord Explorer was headed toward Norfolk, Virginia when it became stuck on the river. The bulker was able to refloat itself a few hours later. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution release. The Coast Guard has stated they have launched an investigation into the incident.
On April 8, the 77 foot long fishing vessel Capt. Gavin ran aground on Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. The Capt. Gavin had run ashore while carrying some 600 pounds of scallops. The fishing vessel remained high and dry for several days after initial attempts to refloat the vessel failed. A tug was finally able to pull the fishing boat back into the water on the rising tide. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On April 6, the 229 meter long, 81434 dwt bulk carrier Privocean allided with the 32 meter long tug Texas and the 249 meter long,116014 dwt tanker Bravo on the Mississippi River near Convent, Louisiana. The Privocean was moored at a terminal loading coal when its lines broke and the vessel drifted down river. Before the vessel was brought under control, it struck the tug Texas before it drifted farther down river and slammed into the tanker Bravo at the Ergon terminal in the St. James area. The Bravo was off-loading oil at the time and the allision caused some 420 gallons of oil to be released into the water and another 126 gallons onto the tanker’s deck. No reports of injuries.
The Texas had run aground during the incident, but did not suffer water ingress. The Bravo sustained damage to its ballast tanks and its propeller became entangled by one of the mooring lines. The Privocean suffered only slight damage. Reports state the Ergon terminal suffered significant damage. The facility has requested a judge to to seize Privocean and auction it to cover the damage costs.
The Coast Guard stop traffic on the section of the river for several days until it was determined no oil could be recovered. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.
