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Tag: New Orleans

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.

 

Natalie Jean

Natalie Jean

Natalie Jean
Photo: facebook

The 22 meter long towboat Natalie Jean capsized and sank on the Mississippi River near New Orleans, Louisiana. The Natalie Jean was pushing a barge when it lost stability while making a turn in the river.  The towboat suddenly capsized spilling the crew member in the pilothouse into the river.  The nearby towboat Earl Gosling rescued the crew man from the water.  A short time later the Natalie Jean rolled over and sank.

Reports state two other crew members of the Natalie Jean were reported as missing.  The Coast Guard along with local authorities launched a search and rescue operation for the missing crew.

Traffic on the Mississippi River was halted around the area where the Natalie Jean sank. Reports state the towboat had some 600 gallons of diesel fuel on board when it sank.  The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Nordbay

Nordbay

Nordbay
Photo: nola.com

The 249 meter long, 116,104 dwt tanker Nordbay allided with a wharf on the Mississippi River near New Orleans, Louisiana. The tanker was proceeding up the river in ballast when high winds caused the vessel to veer towards the riverbank. The crew tried to alert nearby tugs, but they were unable to stop the Nordbay from striking the wharf. The  tanker sustained hull damage with one of the ballast tanks holed. Ballast water was released into the river, but no oil pollution was reported. The tanker proceeded to an anchorage off New Orleans to be inspected. No reports of injuries. Reports state the Nordbay also struck the one of the water intakes as well as the wharf.