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Tag: Pollution

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.

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.