On June 10, the 302 foot long barge PML2501 ran aground on the St. Marys River near Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The barge was being towed by the 132 foot long tugboat Anglian Lady bound for Burns Harbor, Indiana with 3622 tons of coal tar and 6000 gallons of diesel fuel when it struck bottom off Sweets Point. The barge sustained hull damage and suffered water ingress in a ballast tank. The Coast Guard was alerted and found there was no pollution being released from the PML2501. A safety zone was established around the barge while a salvage plan is being developed. No reports of injuries. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On June 9, the 106 meter long, 3688 dwt LPG tanker Annie Gas 09 collided with a fishing vessel TH 90282 TS in the Gulf of Tonkin near Hai Phong, Vietnam. The tanker had struck the fishing vessel during the early morning hours. The TH 90282 TS was heading to fish for squid off Hai Phong in moderate seas when the vessels collided. Reports state the fishing vessel quickly sank and only 2 of the 7 crew on board were rescued by the Annie Gas 09. One crew was at the helm and was thrown into the sea. He was able to grab onto a floating buoy until he was rescued. The other surviving crewman was below deck in his cabin during the collision. He states the fishing vessel quickly flooded and was able to find his way out of the vessel as it sank.
Photo: vnexpress.net
Authorities launched a search and rescue mission for the missing crew. Nearby vessels along with rescue boats assisted in the search. Reports state the Annie Gas 09 recovered the body of one crew of the TH 90282 TS from the water. Both survivors of the TH 90282 TS were later taken ashore for treatment for injuries.
No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released on the Annie Gas 09. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On June 4, the 183 meter long, 12250 dwt vehicle carrier Höegh Xiamen caught fire while berthed at Blount Island, Jaksonville, Florida. The fire started on her seventh deck shortly after the crew had completed loading operations. The crew was unable to contain the blaze and requested assistance. The Jacksonville Fire Department dispatched multiple crews to the scene. Firefighters found the blaze had spread to several decks. While trying to contain the blaze, there was an explosion below deck which injured several fire fighters. All 21 crew on board the Höegh Xiamen were safely evacuated from the vessel.
Fire tugs arrived on scene and began spraying water on the vessel to keep it cool. Dewatering pumps were also deployed to control the amount of water inside the hull. Firefighters continued their efforts for several days to contain the blaze. Firefighters continued to spray the vessel’s with 25,000 gallons of water per minute and were able to contain the blaze, but did not extinguish it. Reports on June 11, state the fire remained contained, but continued to burn on the car decks.
Photo: Jacksonville Fire Dept.
Photo: Jacksonville Fire Dept.
Photo: Jacksonville Fire Dept.
Photo: Jacksonville Fire Dept.
Photo: Jacksonville Fire Dept.
Photo: Jacksonville Fire Dept.
Photo: Jacksonville Fire Dept.
Authorities are monitoring the Höegh Xiamen for structural integrity and any potential pollution release. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
