Low Water Blues

Danube (in blue) and the Canal (in red)
Image via Wikipedia

 

The level of the Danube has led to several ship groundings.   The self-propelled barge “Hall”, loaded with 850 tons of canola, went aground on a gravel bar on the Danube near Deggendorfer.  The tug Domarin 12 was able to pull the “Hall” free.   The “Hall” suffered damage to its bow thruster and is being detained by the Water Police.

The passenger vessel Primadonna was reported aground on a sand bank near the town of Bechet, Romania.   The vessel with 150 passengers on board got stuck on the bank due to the low water levels.   The passengers were safely unloaded and were continuing their trip overland.  Reports state the were 28 other vessels detained in ports in Romania due to the low water level.

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Long Island II Aground

The 33 foot long fishing vessel Long Island II went aground in shallow waters off Bellingham, Washington.   The fishing vessel with three men on board sent out a distress signal.   A nearby fishing vessel responded and safely brought them to shore.   The Coast Guard responded and assisted with the rescue.    Authorities have started cleanup efforts by placing booms around the Long Island II.   The fishing vessel had 175 gallons of fuel on board at the time of the incident.   Reports stated a light sheen was spotted around the vessel.    The owner has hired a firm who was able to refloat the fishing vessel a few days later.

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Legacy Lost

The 62 foot fishing vessel TW Legacy went aground off Decatur Island, San Juans Islands, Washington.   The master of the TW Legacy had fallen asleep at the wheel when the vessel struck the rocks off the island.   The fishing vessel contacted the Coast Guard for assistance.   The Coast Guard dispatched a cutter who was able to safely rescue all six crewmen on board.   The TW Legacy later slid off the rocks and sank in 85 feet of water.   Reports state there is a visible oil slick on the surface.   The TW Legacy could still have 50 to 400 gallons of diesel fuel in its tanks.    Reports state that Coast Guard, State and Local officials are determining what steps will be done to reduce the environmental impact.

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