The 123 foot tug Cochise towing the 357 foot barge Morro Bay struck dredger equipment in the Colubmia River near Westport, Oregon. The oil barge was in ballast and no pollution was released. The tug and barge continued to Astoria where both are awaiting inspection. The Coast Guard is conducting an investigation into the incident.
A barge on the Columbia River broke free from its moorings downriver of the Dalles Dam. The 80 to 100 foot barge floated down the river for 5 miles before going aground. The local Sherriff’s office reported the runaway barge to the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard dispatched personnel to the scene. An inspection of the barge showed that it had no hazardous materials and was no threat to navigation. Later the same day the Sherriff’s office reported the barge had refloated and floated further down the Columbia until grounding again near Lyle, Washington. Contractors arrived later with a tug to secure the barge.
The tugboat Clarkston collided with the 45,222 dwt freighter Genco Marine on the Columbia River near Vancouver, Washington. The Clarkston veered and struck Genco Marine which was at anchor. Reports state there might be damage to Clarkston. The reason for the tug striking the freighter has not been reported. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation.
