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Tag: New York

Sir Winston

Sir Winston

Sir Winston
Photo: audacy.com

On the afternoon of October 17, the 35 meter long sightseeing sternwheeler passenger ship Sir Winston (MMSI: 368333930) allided on the East River near Williamsburg Bridge in New York.  The Sir Winston was attempting to berth at a pier when it lost propulsion when an air valve broke and the vessel went adrift.

The Sir Winston drifted towards a private dock and asked for assistance, but the people on the dock refused to assist the sternwheeler. The vessel continue to drift down the river when it struck a railway barrier near the bridge. Authorities received a distress call with the New York Fire Department along with the United States Coast Guard responding.  The 75 meter long tugboat Henry Girls (MMSI: 368327980) was dispatched to assist. The tug towed the sternwheeler to Pier 36 safely. There were no injuries to the 50 passengers and 5 crew on board the Sir Winston.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

 

 

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.