Browsed by
Tag: New York

Hunts Point

Hunts Point

Hunts Point
Photo: fox5ny.com

On the morning of May 24, the 88 meter long, 5000 dwt waste disposal barge Hunts Point (IMO: 9648049) exploded while berthed on the Hudson River near the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant, New York, New York. Several workers were engaged on the barge when a sparks ignited gas resulting an explosion. One worker was killed from the explosion after being knocked unconscious and thrown into the river.  Two other workers sustained injuries from the blast with one taken to hospital for treatment.

Reports state the vessel was loaded with raw sewage at the time of the incident. After the explosion, the deck of the Hunts Point was covered in sewage. New York Fire fighters along with other first responders had to undergo decontamination from exposure.

The New York Police and Fire Departments have launched an investigation into the incident. No details disclosed on the environmental impact caused by the incident.

 

Cuauhtémoc

Cuauhtémoc

 

Cuauhtémoc 
Photo: x.com

On the evening of May 17, the 90 meter long, 1755 dwt barque Cuauhtémoc allided on the East River off Brooklyn, New York.  The Cuauhtémoc had departed from the South Street Seaport with 277 crew on board when it suffered a mechanical breakdown having the vessel going astern. Pulled by the current, the Cuauhtémoc struck the Brooklyn Bridge with its masts.

The Brooklyn Bridge had a clearance of 127 feet, but the masts of the Cuauhtémoc reached a height of 147 feet. The result was all three masts sustained damaged with parts of the mast toppling over. Two crew members were killed and another 20 were injured from the incident.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. News reports stated a tugboat was supposed to help the sailing ship leave its berth, but failed to keep the Cuauhtémoc under control. This suggests the tug was under powered or positioned incorrectly to keep the sailing ship from striking the bridge. Other accounts state the Cuauhtémoc may have suffered an electrical fault just after it left the pier.

The Cuauhtémoc was taking part in a goodwill voyage for the Mexican Navy and was bound for Iceland before the incident. More information about the vessel can be found here.

Manitoulin

Manitoulin

Manitoulin
Photo: wgrz.com

On the morning of January 22, the 660 foot long, 27550 dwt self-unloading bulk carrier Manitoulin (IMO: 8810918) became stranded in ice on Lake Erie just a short distance outside of Buffalo, New York. The Manitoulin had completed unloading a cargo of wheat on the Buffalo River and was heading out to Lake Erie bound for Sarnia, Ontario when it got stuck in ice.

The vessel requested assistance as it did not have enough room to break ice under its own power. The United States Coast Guard dispatched the 43 meter long tug Bristol Bay (IMO: 8635150) to assist freeing the bulk carrier.

No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.