Four barges ran aground and sunk on the Ohio River just below the Pike Island Locks near Wheeling, West Virginia. Reports state the barges loaded with coal were being towed when they ran aground while waiting on another towboat to pass. Authorities state the barges are outside the navigation channel and has not impacted traffic. The owner has begun efforts to refloat the barges. No reports of injuries.
On February 22, the 200 meter long, 63498 dwt bulk carrier Federal Iris became disabled 240 miles off the coast of Oregon. The Federal Iris was headed for Longview, Oregon from China when there was a minor explosion in the vessel’s engine room. The explosion damaged the main engine and the bulk carrier went adrift. The Federal Iris requested assistance and a tug was dispatched to the scene. The tug took the bulk carrier under tow and proceeded to port. No reports of pollution released.
On January 26, the 90 meter long cargo vessel Frakt Fjord ran aground in the Kolding Fjord just outside Kolding, Denmark. The vessel was being piloted into the harbor when it ran aground just outside the fairway. A tug was dispatched to the scene after initial attempts to refloat the Frakt Fjord had failed. No reports of injuries.
Reports state another attempt to refloat the Frakt Fjord will be done on the next high tide. The Frakt Fjord had sailed from Norway with a cargo of gravel and sand bound for Kolding. Authorities are monitoring the situation and have reported there is no signs of hull damage or pollution released.