On September 15, a barge on Lake Michigan exploded off Michigan City, Indiana. The barge was being used to pull in buoys when there was a fuel leak on board. The crew turned the engine off just before an electrical spark caused an explosion. Three crew sustained injuries and were taken to hospital. Authorities placed a boom around the hull as fuel was released in to the lake. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.
On August 25, the 55 meter long, 798 dwt offshore supply vessel Gulf Justice ran around in Port Mansfield, Texas. The vessel had been struck by Hurricane Harvey and was taking on water. The crew sent out a distress call requesting assistance. A tug was dispatched, but was not able to reach the offshore vessel due to the bad conditions and rough seas. Two Coast Guard helicopters arrived on scene and hoisted all 12 crewmen off the Gulf Justice. No reports of injuries.
The Gulf Justice was reported blown ashore and is now hard aground. The amount of damage was not yet reported and if any pollution was released.
The 200 meter long, 21081 dwt car carrier Alliance St. Louis caught fire in the Gulf of Mexico near Southwest Pass, Louisiana. The fire started in the engine room by an electrical short and was quickly extinguished by the crew. While there were no injuries, the fire damaged the engine and the car carrier went adrift. The crew alerted the Coast Guard who dispatched the cutter Brant to the scene. Reports state a tug was also dispatched to take the Alliance St. Louis under tow back to port. No reports of injuries or pollution released.