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Tag: Pollution

SCH 2640

SCH 2640

SCH 2640
Photo: abendblatt.de

On August 21, the 28 meter long pusher tug SCH 2640 (MMSI: 211518830) released pollution on the northern Elbe River near Hamburg, Germany. The SCH 2640 had a suffered a leak in one of its fuel tanks releasing 2,000 litres of diesel fuel into the Peute Port. Authorities were alerted and dispatched a response team to the scene. Responders placed booms and absorption pads to contain the fuel from spreading into the river while the remaining 2 tons of fuel was pumped into a secondary fuel tank on the SCH 2640. Divers from the Hamburg fire brigade were able to make temporary repairs. Reports state the response took approximately 5 hours to complete.

The SCH 2640 will undergo repairs to fix the damage to the fuel tank.  A company has been contracted to clean up the diesel fuel.  No reports of injuries.

River Drone 4

River Drone 4

River Drone 4
Photo: hbvl.be

On the evening of August 20, the 106 meter long self-propelled barge River Drone 4 (IMO: 9973573) sustained damage on the Albert Canal near Olen, Belgium. The River Drone 4 had passed through the lock in Olen when it’s hull suffered an approximately 15 centimeter long hole near the fuel tank. The damage ruptured the fuel tank releasing some 10 tons of gas oil to be released into the canal.  The pollution formed a oil slick that was nearly 20 kilometer long with the pollution collecting along one bank of the canal.

Authorities responded by closing the lock at Olen along with placing booms upstream to contain the spill.  A pollution response team began cleaning and removing the sludge.  Reports stated the majority of the spill had been cleaned by the next day.  The water police have launched an investigation into the incident. No reports of injuries.

 

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.