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Allision on the Amazon

Allision on the Amazon

Ucayali
Photo: x.com

On the early morning of May 2, the 47 meter long Peruvian navy vessel Ucayali (CF-14) allided on the Amazon River near the confluence of the Napo River some 50 miles downstream from Iquitos, Peru. The Ucayali was  proceeding on the Amazon when it struck the anchored 196 meter long, 27471 dwt oil barge El Manati (IMO: 8641604) resulting in the hull breach and uncontrolled water ingress. The crew were unable to stop the flooding and the Ucayali partially sank to the river bottom.  Reports state that 30 of the crew were rescued, but 2 crew perished and one was listed as missing. An operation was launched with divers along with aerial drones for the missing crew members.

Damage to the El Manati was not reported, but there were no reports of oil pollution released from the barge. The Peruvian Navy has launched an investigation into the incident.

El Manati

Myra Eckstein

Myra Eckstein

Myra Eckstein
Photo: Vicksburgnews.com

On the morning of May 5, the 47 meter long towboat Myra Eckstein (MMSI: 367505510) and its tow of barges allided with the Old Highway 80 Bridge on the Mississippi River at Vicksburg, Mississippi. The Myra Eckstein was pushing 25 barges loaded with grain when it struck pier number 4 off the bridge.  This is the same location that the towboat Rickey Hughes struck just a few days prior.

Local news reports state the lead barge in the tow struck the bridge before it broke free along with four other barges.  Three barges drifted downstream while one other struck pier number 5 of the bridge before it also floated downstream.  One barge was holed and sank a short distance downriver.  Authorities state the barges did not strike the nearby Interstate 20 bridge.

Myra Eckstein

There were no reports of injuries. Traffic on the Old Highway Bridge has been halted until it can be inspected for damage. The Coast Guard was reported to be onsite at bridge and has launched an investigation into the incident.

Rickey Hughes

Rickey Hughes

Photo: vicksburgnews.com

On the afternoon of May 1, the 51 meter long towboat Rickey Hughes (MMSI: 367057330) pushing a tow of barges allided with the Old Highway 80 Bridge over the Mississippi River at Vicksburg, Mississippi. Reports states the Rickey Hughes was proceeding downstream when it suffered a mechanical breakdown and lost steering at it approached the bridge. The leading barge then struck the number 4 bridge pier causing the tow to break apart. Several barges broke free and drifted away while one barge remained pinned against on the bridge pier.

Authorities halted traffic on the bridge so it could be inspected. Inspectors found the bridge was undamaged and traffic resumed several hours later. Reports state there were no reports of injuries and no pollution released. The Coast Guard and local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.