Nash Sunk

Nash Sunk

Photo: uscg
Photo: uscg

On June 8, the 260 foot long barge Nash was under tow by the tug Calvin off Santa Barbara, California.  The Nash was loaded with 3,900 tons of magnesium chloride when it suffered a leak off Point Conception and began to sink.  The crew of the Calvin alerted the Coast Guard , but the barge quickly flooded and sank stern first.   The barge’s bow remain above water, but the stern tanks were crushed and the hull was severely damaged preventing any salvage.  Salvors were requested to requested and patched the hull just sufficient enough so the Nash could be towed to deeper water.  On June 17, the barge was towed out and scuttled offshore.  No reports of injuries.  The cargo of magnesium chloride was reported to be non-hazardous with no projected impact to the environment.

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Aground off Veerampattinam

Aground off Veerampattinam

Photo: thehindu.com
Photo: thehindu.com

Reports state a fishing boat ran aground near Veerampattinam, India. The boat was attempting to enter the Thengaithittu estuary when it struck bottom.  The hull was badly damage on the rocks, but none of the seven crewmen on board were injured.  The fishing boat rolled onto its side and declared a loss.  An excavator was used to breakup the vessel and pull parts ashore. Fishermen report that the estuary has not been dredged causing the water to be very shallow.  Fishing boats must enter the harbour only the hour when the tide is high enough.

Apollo

Apollo

Photo: sz-online.de
Photo: sz-online.de

On June 8, the 72 meter long self-propelled barge Apollo ran aground on the Elbe River near Kötitz, Germany.  The Apollo was en route to Czechia with 500 tons of fertilizer when it struck bottom and became stuck.  The vessel requested assistance as the vessel was in risk of breaking up as water level dropped.  River traffic was halted and several dams released water hoping the raise the level allow a tug to refloat the Apollo.  However, the water level only increased marginally aborting the refloating.  A lighter was requested instead.  No reports of injuries to the 3 crew on board. No damage or pollution reported.