Shipwreck Log

On October 26, the 38 meter long self-propelled barge Mac Gyver, loaded with 350 tons of sand, collided with the combination of the 39 meter long self-propelled barge Hijete and barge Yamoto on the Canal du Nord near Eterpigny, France. Both vessels were unable to establish communications before they collided head-on. The Yamoto sustained damage and water ingress at the bow.  Unable to contain the flooding, the local fire brigade was alerted.  They arrived on scene and deployed 3 dewatering pumps trying to keep the barge afloat.  The flooding was too much for the pumps and the Yamoto sank by the bow.  The pumps were pulled off the Yamoto and the entire vessel sank to the bottom of the canal leaving only part of the wheelhouse visible. Authorities laid out booms to contain oil pollution released.  Reports state the Yamoto will be later raised and repaired.

The Mac Gyver and Hijete both sustained some damage, but were in no danger of sinking.