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Tag: Allision

Durward Knowles

Durward Knowles

Photo: ewnews.com

On the morning of August 30, the 43 meter long, 241 gt Royal Bahamas Defence Force patrol vessel Durward Knowles (IMO: 9729518) allided in the Windward Channel off Matthew Town, Great Inagua Island, Bahamas. The Durward Knowles was approaching a jetty in Matthew Town when it suffered a malfunction with the pitch propeller system. The patrol vessel was attempting to go full astern, but instead lurched forward and struck the jetty.  The jetty was severely damage from the impact, but there were no injuries on board the vessel.  Damage to the vessel was not disclosed.

Reports state the Durward Knowles had gone under repairs earlier this summer at Fort Benning to repair the pitch propeller system. Bahamian authorities stated the vessel will undergo a full technical review to ensure the issue is corrected. The incident is under investigation.

Allision off Iowa

Allision off Iowa

Bridge Strike
Photo: 101theeagle.com

On the early morning hours of August 26, a string of barges allided on the Mississippi River near Keokuk, Iowa. The barges being pushed by an undisclosed towboat was heading north when it struck the bridge connecting Keokuk, Iowa and Hamilton, Illinois.

The Coast Guard stated there was no damage or injuries from the incident. Reports stated that some cargo crates had fallen overboard, but were later recovered. There has been on official release of the towboat’s name involved in the incident. Some speculation on social media suggests the towboat was the 39 meter long Bernard G (MMSI: 367505650), but this could not be confirmed.

 

 

Ciudad de Medellín

Ciudad de Medellín

Ciudad de Medellín
Photo: facebook

On the morning of August 17, the 19 meter long towboat Ciudad de Medellín (MMSI: 627214286) allided on the Magdalena River at Barrancabermeja, Colombia. The Ciudad de Medellín was proceeding on the river when it struck one of the piers of the Guillermo Gaviria Bridge. The impact caused the part of the pilothouse to be torn off.  The strong current caused the towboat to take on water resulting in the vessel listing over on its starboard hull.  The Ciudad de Medellín would later partially sink.

Reports state that several crew members jumped into the river and swam to rescue boats. Local citizens attempted to aid the crew by throwing life jackets to them. News accounts do not state if any crew members were injured or not during the incident.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Witnesses have stated the water levels on the river was high due to heavy rains. There is some speculation that the towboat had steered out of the navigation channel before striking the bridge. Reports state that engineers are inspecting the bridge for damage while traffic continues to proceed over the bridge.