The 105 meter long self-propelled barge Ulm went aground on the Danube River near Mariaposching, Germany. The Ulm was proceeding downstream when the current pulled the vessel around before it went aground. A nearby vessel came to the aid of the Ulm, but could not pull the Ulm free. The Ulm blocked traffic on the Danube for several hours before it was decided to lighter some of the 1511 tons of coal cargo. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution being released.
The 88 meter long, 2362 dwt coastal freighter Union Topaz allided with the sea lock at Terneuzen, Netherlands. The Union Topaz suffered damage to its bow and the lock suffered damage. The cause of the allision was due to a navigation error. No reports of injuries or pollution being released. The Union Topaz was en route to Boston from Ghent.
The 120 foot long, 85 gt utility vessel Int’l Hunter sank off the Sabine Jetties, Lousiana. The vessel had struck a submerged object and sank sending the seven crew to the liferafts. The men were rescued an hour later and safely landedin Cameron, Lousiana. No injuries reported. The Coast Guard confirms that some pollution was released. A sheen from diesel fuel was spotted and an oil recovery vessel was dispatched to the scene. The owners of the Int’l Hunter have issued a plan to salvage the vessel.
