On October 29, the 153 meter long, 14359 dwt cargo vessel Ocean Freedom allided with a moored barge in the inner harbor at Corpus Christi, Texas. The Ocean Freedom, loaded with steel from Colon, struck directly into the empty barge damaging the bow of the cargo vessel. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Coast Guard dispatched a response team to the scene along with inspectors and investigators. Authorities has launched an investigation into the incident.
Photo: USCG
On July 29, 2014, the 68 foot long fishing vessel Huachinango suffered water ingress off Corpus Christi, Texas near Baffin Bay. The three crew on board reported that the shrimp boat had suffered flooding in the engine room. The crew started the pumps, but the water continue to rise in the engine room covering the lower section. The Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter and the cutter Brant to the scene. The helicopter arrived first and dropped a dewatering pump to the Huachinango. The Brant arrived a short time later and transferred a second pump on board the fishing vessel. With the pumps and a team to assist, the flooding on board the Huachinango was brought under control. The Brant escorted the Huachinango back to port. No reports of injuries.
KiiiTV.com South Texas, Corpus Christi, Coastal Bend
The 193 meter long, 30586 dwt cargo/container ship Antonio caught fire while berthed in Corpus Christi, Texas. While the crew was unloading a cargo of wind turbine blades, the fire broke out inside one of the cargo when sparks from a welding torch set some wood supports alight. Local fire crews battled the blaze for several hours fighting hot spots and dense black smoke. The firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze, but two had to be taken to hospital. One firefighter suffered smoke inhalation while the other heat exhaustion. No reports of injuries to the crew of the Antonio.
