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Tag: Barge

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.

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.