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Tag: Pollution

Barges Aground Off Batangas

Barges Aground Off Batangas

Barges off Batangas
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

On July 19, the barges Amazon River, EE Margarette and Yangtze River went aground in Balayan Bay along the shoreline near Calaca City, Batangas, Philippines.  The barges Amazon River, loaded with 1567 mt of molasses, and Yangtze River, loaded with 1462 mt of molasses, were under tow by the tug Robina I bound for Balayan. Nearby, the barge EE Margarette, loaded with 1772 mt of molasses, was being towed by the tug Robina II was also bound for Balayan. The vessels had to divert due to rough seas from Tropical Storm Crising and shelter in the bay. The winds from the tropical storm was strong enough to snap the mooring lines to the barges resulting in all three barges washing ashore. The barge Amazon River and EE Margarette collided during the incident resulting in hull damage to the EE Margarette.

The Philippine Coast Guard  stated that all 21 crew onboard the vessels were safe. Authorities stated that some of the molasses cargo from the EE Margarette was released into sea. The coast guard stated the cargo was considered non-hazardous and would dissipate in the sea. Local officials stated salvage and the removal of the barges will be done as soon as conditions improved.

 

 

Coastal Legend

Coastal Legend

Coastal Legend
Photo: havariekommando.de

On the morning of July 23, the 69 meter long, 1340 dwt tanker Capella (IMO: 9280110) allided with the 44 meter long, 364 dwt offshore supply vessel Coastal Legend (IMO: 9102887) on the Elbe River at Cuxhaven, Germany. The Capella was entering the outer harbour in Cuxhaven when it struck the moored Coastal Legend. Full details on the extent of damage to the vessels was not disclosed, but the Coastal Legend suffered hull damage at the stern and a fuel tank was ruptured.  There were no reports of injuries, but there was pollution released from the Coastal Legend.

Authorities reported that six cubic meters of diesel fuel oil was released into Cuxhaven harbor. Oil skimmers were deployed to collect the pollution while a protection booms was placed around the Coastal Legend. The 31 meter long tanker Herta (MMSI: 211564050) arrived on site and the remaining fuel was pumped off the Coastal Legend. Authorities continued to monitor the cleanup efforts. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

 

Iron Horse

Iron Horse

Iron Horse
Photo: cheknews.ca

On July 7, the 15 meter long tugboat Iron Horse sank to the bottom in the Discovery Passage in Campbell River marina on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The tugboat, built in 1945, had been derelict for some years and had suffered water ingress and partially sank in May 2025 before it completely sank in July.

Iron Horse
Photo: shipspotting.com

Port authorities reported that small amount of oil and diesel fuel pollution had been released from the tugboat. The Canadian Coast Guard had the owner remove the majority of the oil and fuel in 2023. The owner of the Iron Horse once lived in a makeshift houseboat tied next to the tugboat. The man was elderly and had moved away some time prior. Authorities state they do not have a current address for the owner.  The Iron Horse had no insurance.

The harbour authorities state they may have to pay for the cost of removing the tug and the pollution cleanup. Estimates could be as high as $100,000 CAN.  The Canadian Coast Guard will not be involved as the Iron Horse was not a navigational hazard and the amount of pollution is minor.