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Category: Pollution

Pampero

Pampero

tanker-barge Pampero
Photo: ledauphine.com

The 120 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Pampero ran aground on the Rhône at the locks in Sablons, France. The Pampero was en route to Lavera from Port de Bouc with a cargo of 2200 tons of vinyl chloride.   As the tanker-barge proceeded out of the lock, it was pull back by suction towards the lock gate .  Unable to overcome the current, the Pampero struck the downstream lock gate ripping the lock gate away.  The Pampero struck with enough force to have its wheelhouse torn away and part of the hull buckled.  The tanker-barge floated a short distance from the lock before it ran aground.

tanker-barge Pampero
Photo: francetvinfo.fr

Authorities were alerted and dispatched some 70 persons to the scene. The Pampero had sustained three hull breaches releasing some of the toxic gas.  Reports state the amount of gas released was low, but some nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution.  Divers later arrived on scene and complete repairs and plug the leaks. Another tanker-barge was requested to offload the 2200 tons of cargo. Traffic on the Rhône remains closed above and below the lock until repairs to the lock and tanker-barge can be completed. No reports of injuries.

Graha Angkasa 1

Graha Angkasa 1

On February 3, the 80 meter long, 2050 dwt cargo vessel Graha Angkasa 1 sank near Serei, North Minahasa, Indonesia. The Graha Angkasa 1 was proceeding with 3000 tons of cement in bad weather when it suffered water ingress in the engine room.  Unable to control the flooding, the cargo vessel lost power and went adrift.

The Graha Angkasa 1 sent out a distress call with the Indonesian Armed Forces responding. Multiple patrol boats were dispatched to the scene and successfully rescued the 9 crew and 3 cadets on board the Graha Angkasa 1. No reports of injuries, but the survivors were taken ashore for evaluation.

Two hours after the first request for assistance the Graha Angkasa 1 lost stability and sank.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Graha Angkasa 1

Mississippi Collision

Mississippi Collision

RC Creppel

On January 26, the 61 meter long towboat Cooperative Spirit collided with the 22 meter long towboat RC Creppel on the Mississippi River off Luling, Louisiana. The Cooperative Spirit proceeded upbound on the river when it struck the RC Creppel and two barges ladden with sulfuric acid.  The barges broke away and the RC Creppel quickly sank. One barge sustained damage and released vapor in the air. The Cooperative Spirit also reported significant damage, but remained afloat.

Authorities were alerted and the Coast Guard dispatched a response boat and a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from New Orleans. Traffic on the Mississippi River was halted while the barges could be secured while searching for the four crew of the RC Creppel.  One crewman from the RC Creppel was pulled from the water by a nearby boat.

Authorities continued a search into the following day, but no signs of the remaining 3 crewmen.  Reports state the search and rescue operation finally ended after 67 hours of searching.  The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.