Browsed by
Author: Paul Hancock

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.

 

Sea Beauty

Sea Beauty

Sea Beauty

On the morning of May 2, the 100 meter long, 5535 dwt cargo vessel Sea Beauty (IMO: 9151096) became disabled in the Aegean Sea some 4 nautical miles off Cape Kafireas, Greece.  The Sea Beauty was headed to Thessaloniki from Elefsina with a cargo of 1500 metric tons of steel when it suffered engine failure.  Authorities reported that a nearby vessel monitored the Sea Beauty until it was able to restore power.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

Reports state the Sea Beauty had been detained in April 2025 at Porto Nogaro with 18 deficiencies with some regarded as serious.