On January 13, the 67 meter long towboat Inez Andreas along with its barges allided with a railroad bridge over the Mississippi River at Vicksburg, Mississippi. The towboat lost two barges that broke free. One of these barges later sank. Authorities closed traffic on the bridge until it could be inspected. The barge that sank did not pose any hazard for traffic. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On January 12, the 199 meter long bulk carrier Yangtze River became disabled on the Black Sea off Novorossiysk, Russia. The Yangtze River was en route to Novorossiysk from Dneproubugskiy when it suffered engine failure. The bulk carrier went adrift and requested assistance. A tug was dispatched to the scene and was able to establish a tow line to the Yangtze River. Both vessels proceeded to an anchorage near Novorossiysk. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
The 20 meter long tug Phoenix sank at the Volkerak Lock in Willemstad, Netherlands. The Phoenix had collided with the tanker-barge Imke Deymann resulting in hull damage and water ingress on the Phoenix. The tug partially sank leaving only part of its wheelhouse above water. All five crew on the Phoenix were able to escape in time. No reports of injuries. The sunken tug blocked traffic at the lock and authorities placed booms around the vessel to prevent possible pollution released. The following day a crane was brought to the scene to raise the Phoenix.
