Browsed by
Category: Pollution

Yamoto

Yamoto

Yamoto
Photo: courrier-picard.fr

On October 26, the 38 meter long self-propelled barge Mac Gyver, loaded with 350 tons of sand, collided with the combination of the 39 meter long self-propelled barge Hijete and barge Yamoto on the Canal du Nord near Eterpigny, France. Both vessels were unable to establish communications before they collided head-on. The Yamoto sustained damage and water ingress at the bow.  Unable to contain the flooding, the local fire brigade was alerted.  They arrived on scene and deployed 3 dewatering pumps trying to keep the barge afloat.  The flooding was too much for the pumps and the Yamoto sank by the bow.  The pumps were pulled off the Yamoto and the entire vessel sank to the bottom of the canal leaving only part of the wheelhouse visible. Authorities laid out booms to contain oil pollution released.  Reports state the Yamoto will be later raised and repaired.

The Mac Gyver and Hijete both sustained some damage, but were in no danger of sinking.

Master D

Master D

Master D
Photo: uscg

On August 30, the 68 foot long, 122 gt fishing vessel Master D caught fire in the Gulf of Mexico near Port Isabel, Texas.  All three crewmen on the Master D were forced to abandoned ship into a life raft as the smoke engulfed the vessel.  Authorities were alerted by an emergency radio beacon from the Master D and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Coho to the scene. The Coho arrived and safely rescued all three crew members.  No reports of injuries.  

After burning for two days, the Master D sank 58 miles off Port Isabel.  Reports show a light sheen over the wreck location.  The Coast Guard has reported that it will work with a salvage team to remove any diesel fuel or oil pollution released by the fishing vessel. The Master D had some 23,000 gallons of fuel on board at the time of the incident. 

George H. Ledcor

George H. Ledcor

George H. Ledcor
photo: vancouversun.com

On August 14, the 18 meter long tugboat George H. Ledcor sank on the Fraser River between Vancouver and Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. The tug was towing a gravel barge when it suddenly capsized and sank. The four crew on board were thrown into the water and later rescued by a nearby tug.  No reports of injuries.

A sheen was spotted over the sunken tug as diesel fuel is released. Authorities place booms around the wreck site and divers are dispatched to plug fuel vents on the tugboat. Reports state the George H. Ledcor had nearly 22,000 litres of fuel on board at the time of the sinking. 

A crane barge was dispatched to raise the George H. Ledcor from the bottom. The Canadian Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.