Four barges ran aground and sunk on the Ohio River just below the Pike Island Locks near Wheeling, West Virginia. Reports state the barges loaded with coal were being towed when they ran aground while waiting on another towboat to pass. Authorities state the barges are outside the navigation channel and has not impacted traffic. The owner has begun efforts to refloat the barges. No reports of injuries.
On March 15, the 180 meter long, 25565 dwt bulk carrier Harriett ran aground in the White Sea off Mudyug Island near Arkhangelsk, Russia. The Harriett had departed from Arkhangelsk escorted by an icebreaker bound for Terneuzen with 20,000 tons of coal. As the vessels proceeded through the ice, the Harriett suffered engine failure and went adrift. The bulk carrier drifted with the ice into shallow water and went hard aground. No reports of injuries. Reports state the Harriett requires lightering before it can be salvaged.
The 71 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Woods Hole ran aground in Vineyard Haven Harbor, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. The ferry was approaching the dock in Vineyard Haven with 146 passengers when it ran aground in shallow water. The Woods Hole was able to release itself and proceeded to berth at the dock.
The Coast Guard was alerted and detained the Woods Hole until it could be inspected for damage. The ferry remained in port for several hours until it was cleared by the Coast Guard and returned back to service. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.