Browsed by
Author: Paul Hancock

Bridge Strike off St. Louis

Bridge Strike off St. Louis

Barge Strike Eads Bridge
Photo: fox2now.com

On the afternoon of November 14, a tanker barge struck allided on the Mississippi River off St. Louis, Missouri. The Coast Guard reported that 6 tanker barges loaded light cycle oil had broken free from a tow on the Mississippi River. One of these barges struck the Eads Bridge, but there was no damage to the tanker barge and no pollution was released.

 

All six barges were later recovered later the same day. Reports were not clear what the cause the barges to break free. An aerial inspection of the bridge did not reveal any visible damage. The incident is under investigation.

 

Aground off Whenua Hou

Aground off Whenua Hou

On the morning of November 14, a fishing vessel (name not disclosed) ran aground in the Tasman Sea off Codfish Island (Whenua Hou), New Zealand. The New Zealand Coastguard reports that volunteers and local fishermen had been dispatched to assist.

Arriving on site, the rescuers found a commercial tow was required. Using another fishing vessel, they were able to pull the stranded fishing vessel free on the high tide. The vessel had sustained some damage from the grounding and dewatering pumps were placed onboard.

While towing the fishing vessel to the port of Bluff, weather conditions began to worsen. The damaged fishing vessel began to take on more water than the pumps could handle. The vessels proceeded to Long Harry Bay for shelter. The vessels remained in the bay for several hours until an additional pump arrived. Reports state the vessels proceeded on to Bluff.  No reports of injuries.

Capsized off Soyeonpyeong Island

Capsized off Soyeonpyeong Island

Capsized off Soyeonpyeong
Photo: South Korean Coast Guard

On the evening of November 14, a 12 ton fishing vessel (name not disclosed) capsized in the Yellow Sea approximately 43 kilometers southwest of Soyeonpyeong Island, Ongjin County, Incheon.  Reports state the fishing vessel lost stability when trying to pull in a net causing the vessel to roll over. One of the 5 crew members on board would be later rescued by another nearby fishing vessel. Authorities were alerted and launched a search and rescue for the missing crew members.  Some 18 vessels and Coast Guard ships along with 9 aircraft were deployed in the search. Searchers would find another injured crew member who was taken to hospital, but later perished.

The remaining 3 crew members are still reported as missing. Air bladders were attached to the overturned fishing vessel to stabilize it while divers conduct a search. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.