Browsed by
Tag: Mississippi River

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.

 

Patrick J. Studdert

Patrick J. Studdert

Patrick J Studdert

On the evening of December 29, the 28 meter long towboat Patrick J. Studdert (MMSI: 367534690) collided with the 225 meter long, 77073 dwt bulk carrier Clara B (IMO: 9304083) on the Mississippi River near the Hale Boggs Bridge in Luling, Louisiana. The Patrick J. Studdert sustained hull damage and uncontrolled water ingress from the collision. The five crew on board the towboat were forced to abandoned ship before the vessel sank. All the crew would later be rescued and taken to hospital for evaluation. The Clara B did not report any significant damage and proceeded to anchor nearby. No reports of injuries on either vessel.

Reports state the Patrick J. Studdert sank in 90 feet of water and a sheen of diesel fuel pollution was visible over the wreck. The Coast Guard and local authorities are monitoring the wreck for any further pollution being released. The incident is under investigation.

Clara B