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Tag: Pollution

Presque Isle

Presque Isle

Presque Isle
Photo: sootoday.com

On the morning of July 29, the 305 meter long self-unloading bulk carrier Presque Isle (IMO: 7303877) released pollution on the St. Marys River near Neebish Island, Michigan. The Presque Isle was heading upbound towards the Soo Locks when it suffered steering issues. The bulk carrier proceeded several miles where it could drop anchor and investigate the issue. During the investigation, the crew found some 20 gallons of hydraulic oil had been discharged into the river with a visible sheen.  A boom was placed around the stern of the Presque Isle to contain the pollution. Traffic was halted on the river while authorities completed a survey. Reports stated that traffic was reopened later and that the oil sheen had dissipated a few days later.

Endeavor

Endeavor

Endeavor
Photo: facebook

On July 22, the former fishing vessel now houseboat Endeavor ran into difficulties as it was being towed to shore for repairs in Snow’s Cove in Rockland, Maine . The Endeavor‘s cement hull had begun to leak and the vessel was being towed by a lobster boat when it became swamped and went ashore. Maine authorities along with the United States Coast Guard were alerted to the situation.  Authorities placed booms around the vessel to contain any fuel that was released from the vessel.  Reports state the remaining diesel fuel on board was being removed to prevent any potential environmental risks.  There were no injuries reported.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

 

Tug Orca Sunk

Tug Orca Sunk

Orca
Photo: butenunbinnen.de

On the evening of July 24, the 27 meter long tugboat Orca (MMSI: 211513200) sank on the Weser River at Bremen, Germany. The Orca was supposed to push a barge with a drilling crane to a construction site when suddenly the crane toppled over.  The crane struck the tugboat with enough force that it severely damage the hull allowing uncontrolled water ingress. The crew was able to escape to safety before the Orca sank to the bottom of the harbour. One person suffered minor injuries and received treatment.

Authorities responded to the scene and found diesel fuel sheen around the sunken tug.  Booms were deployed around the sunken Orca to prevent the pollution from spreading further into the river. A salvage company was contacted to recover the tugboat and the crane from the water. A few days later a crane was used to lift the Orca from the bottom.  The cause for the crane to collapse had not yet been determined.