The 165 meter long, 23587 dwt ro-ro cargo vessel USS Harry L. Martin allided with the Mathews Bridge on the St. Johns River at Jacksonville, Florida. A tug was towing the Martin at the time when the Martin’s stern ramp struck the central span. No reports of injuries. The bridge suffered significant damage and all road traffic has been suspended. State authorities plan to send out inspectors to look at the damage and make a determination of the structure.
Authorities have placed a safety zone around the bridge and no river traffic is being permitted. A river pilot was on board at the time of the incident. The Martin was being towed to a ship yard in Jacksonville.
The 112 meter long, 8725 dwt freighter Unicorn Logger went aground in the Sambawan Islet off Maripipi Island, Philippines. The vessel was proceeding to Japan from Malaysia with 836 tons of lumber when a fishing vessel cross its path causing the Unicorn Logger to veer off course and go aground onto a coral reef. No reports of injuries to the 18 crew on board. The Philippine Coast Guard has dispatched a team to assess to the situation. Reports state the Unicorn Logger rests on some 270 square meters of coral reef. Reports states local government was studying the possibility of seeking damages for the destruction of coral reefs.
