On December 20, the 194 meter long, 18602 dwt bulk carrier Ojibway ran aground on the St. Lawrence River near Lisbon, New York. The bulk carrier had run aground just above the Iroquois Lock near Sparrowhawk Point. All traffic near the scene was halted until the vessel could be freed later the same day. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Ojibway was built by Defoe Shipbuilding in Bay City, Michigan in 1952.
On January 25, seven vessels broke free from their moorings on the Hudson River near Albany, New York. Five barges, one tugboat and the 140 foot long passenger ship Captain JP III broke free after rains and warming weather caused the water level on the river to rise and released several ice jams. Pulled downstream, the Captain JP III drifted until it struck the railroad bridge. The passenger ship was too tall to pass under the bridge and became wedged under the span. Many of the other vessels were able to pass under the bridge without mishap, but several did strike the bridge.
Multiple tugs were dispatched and were able to free the Captain JP III and recover the other unmanned tugboats and barges. No reports of injuries.
Authorities report the bridge did sustain some minor damage, but the bridge should remain in operation. The Captain JP III sustained significant hull damage to its stern.
On September 8, the 25 meter long passenger ship Jewel caught fire on the East River near Governors Island, New York. While on a cruise with 90 passengers and 4 crew, a fire started in the vessel’s engine room. The crew alerted authorities who dispatched several rescue vessels to the scene. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated from the vessel and transported to lower Manhattan. No reports of injuries. Reports state the fire was later extinguished and the vessel was taken under tow back to port. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
