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Tag: Barge

Isla De Bioko

Isla De Bioko

Isla De Bioko

On the night of April 27, the 186 meter long, 51609 dwt tanker Isla De Bioko (IMO: 9767235) collided barges being pushed by the towboat Ginny Rose on the Mississippi River near New Orleans, Louisiana.  The upbound Isla De Bioko collided with the barges as the Ginny Rose was maneuvering into the middle of the navigation channel.  There were no injuries on either vessel, but one of the barges sank with its cargo of fertilizer (urea).  Six other barges in the tow broke free and drifted downstream.  Four barges would be later recovered and two barges became entangled in the anchor chains of the vessel Red Fin and Bulker Bee 30.

The Coast Guard temporarily closed traffic in the area until the sunken barge could be located.  The barge would be found in 75 feet of water which was deemed safe to allow traffic to resumed. The Coast Guard also was able to recover the last 2 barges. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state there were plan to salvage the sunken barge.

 

Papu Mar

Papu Mar

Papu Mar
Photo: comexonline.com.ar

On the night of April 17, the 32 meter long towboat Papu Mar (MMSI: 755103015) sank on the Río de la Plata Punta in the Indio Channel near the Banco Chico reef off Argentina. The Papu Mar was pushing the barge 240-4 carrying 140 containers when the towboat suffered uncontrolled water ingress caused by stormy conditions. The crew was unable to control the flooding and the towboat partially sank by the stern. The nine crew on board were able to evacuate the vessel and seek refuge on the barge.  Authorities would later rescue the crew and safely transferred them to Port of La Plata where they would receive medical treatment.

Papu Mar
Photo: comexonline.com.ar

The RN Salvamento dispatched the tug Ona Don Lorenzo (IMO: 9328388) to assess the situation. The tug was found the Papu Mar had completely sunk, but still connected to the barge. The barge would later be uncoupled and towed to Buenos Aires. Authorities were monitoring the sunken towboat for any potential release of pollution. Reports state the vessel owners were arranging the refloating of the Papu Mar. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Local news reports state the towboat had possibly made an error in judgement to cross the river during the storm. There are suggestions that the rudder room or excessive listing may have allowed water to flood the vessel.

Barge Capsized

Barge Capsized

Photo: nzherald.co.nz

On the afternoon of March 31, a 30 meter long barge capsized in Bay of Plenty at the marina of Tauranga, New Zealand. The barge was operating in the marina when it lost stability and tipped over onto its side. The onboard crane fell into in the water and 10 litres of diesel fuel was released into the water. Authorities placed booms around the vessel and used absorbent pads to collect the pollution. Reports state there were no injuries. Reports state the barge will be salvaged. Maritime NZ has launched an investigation into the incident.

Photo: nzherald.co.nz