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Author: Paul Hancock

Four Vessel Capsized on Huachong

Four Vessel Capsized on Huachong

Huachong Vessels Capsized
Photo: Xinhua News

On the afternoon of May 4, four tourist passenger vessels capsized on the Huachong River in China’s Guizhou Province.  Reports state a sudden severe thunderstorm with strong winds caused the vessels to rollover spilling some 84 passengers and crew into the water.  Reports state two vessels had no passengers and seven total crew on board.  These seven crew members were able to swim to safety.  The other 2 vessels were loaded with passengers.  Many passengers were able to swim to safety, but some became trapped in the overturned vessels. Authorities launched a search and rescue with over 500 emergency personnel to the area.

Reports state that 70 people were pulled from the water suffering from minor injuries.  Those injured were taken to hospital for treatment. Operations continued into the night, but rescuers were only able to recovered those who perished in the incident.  Ten bodies would be eventually recovered from the river.

Authorities state the two vessels that capsized were rated to carry 40 passengers and were not overloaded at the time of the incident. The names of the four vessels were not disclosed.

 

Rickey Hughes

Rickey Hughes

Photo: vicksburgnews.com

On the afternoon of May 1, the 51 meter long towboat Rickey Hughes (MMSI: 367057330) pushing a tow of barges allided with the Old Highway 80 Bridge over the Mississippi River at Vicksburg, Mississippi. Reports states the Rickey Hughes was proceeding downstream when it suffered a mechanical breakdown and lost steering at it approached the bridge. The leading barge then struck the number 4 bridge pier causing the tow to break apart. Several barges broke free and drifted away while one barge remained pinned against on the bridge pier.

Authorities halted traffic on the bridge so it could be inspected. Inspectors found the bridge was undamaged and traffic resumed several hours later. Reports state there were no reports of injuries and no pollution released. The Coast Guard and local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Roadrunner

Roadrunner

Roadrunner
Photo: bndestem.nl

On the early morning of May 3, 2025 the 52 meter long self-propelled barge Roadrunner (MMSI: 244000039) caught fire on the Dintel River while moored in the harbor at Dintelmond, Netherlands. The fire started in the vessel’s galley a fire which the two crew members on board try to extinguish.  Unable to contain the blaze and dense smoke, the local fire brigade was called to the scene.  Fire fighters from Dinteloord and Willemstad were able to extinguish the blaze from shore assisted by the 28 meter long fire/patrol boat Furie 4 (MMSI: 244830754).

Furie 4

The master of the Roadrunner sustained burns to his upper arms and some inhalation. He was taken to hospital for treatment. Authorities stated the Roadrunner had sustained fire damage and required to be ventilation. Reports state the vessel’s dog was also rescued from the vessel by the fire brigade.