sank - Shipwreck Log

On the morning of May 5, the 47 meter long towboat Myra Eckstein (MMSI: 367505510) and its tow of barges allided with the Old Highway 80 Bridge on the Mississippi River at Vicksburg, Mississippi. The Myra Eckstein was pushing 25 barges loaded with grain when it struck pier number 4 off the bridge. This is the same location that the towboat Rickey Hughes struck just a few days prior.

Local news reports state the lead barge in the tow struck the bridge before it broke free along with four other barges. Three barges drifted downstream while one other struck pier number 5 of the bridge before it also floated downstream. One barge was holed and sank a short distance downriver. Authorities state the barges did not strike the nearby Interstate 20 bridge.

There were no reports of injuries. Traffic on the Old Highway Bridge has been halted until it can be inspected for damage. The Coast Guard was reported to be onsite at bridge and has launched an investigation into the incident.

Nhô Padre Benjamim

April 28, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the afternoon of April 14, the 91 meter long, 2560 dwt ro-ro cargo vessel Nhô Padre Benjamim (IMO: 7812919) sank in Preguiça Bay off the coast of São Nicolau, Cape Verde. The Nhô Padre Benjamim was en route from Palmeira to São Nicolau loaded with construction supplies and trucks bound for roadwork and construction at the Preguiça airport. As the vessel approached the São Nicolau, the vessel suffered uncontrolled water ingress on the vehicle deck. Reports state the crew tried to bring the flooding under control with pumps, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The Nhô Padre Benjamim would eventually sink by the stern.

The crew of 19 and the 1 passenger on board were able to safely abandon ship and were later rescued by local fishermen. No reports of injuries.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Initial reports has place much focus on environmental concerns. There is a high risk that fuel and other oil pollution will seep out from the wreck. Due to the depth of the location of the wreck, it may be difficult to pump out the fuel and oil from the vessel.

News reports state the vessel owner claims the Nhô Padre Benjamim was well maintained and was in proper working condition prior to the incident. The vessel was not overloaded, but witnesses state the vessel departed with the stern lower in the water than usual. It is possible the investigation may reveal improper cargo stowage could have been a factor.

Long Tau River Collision

April 26, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the night of April 25, the 200 meter long, 34152 dwt container ship KMTC Surabaya (IMO: 9821081) collided with the 181 meter long, 37679 dwt bulk carrier Glengyle (IMO: 9727285) on the Long Tau River at An Thoi Dong, Ho chi Minh, Vietnam. The KMTC Surabaya bow struck the Glengyle just forward the superstructure along its port hull nearly breaking the vessel in two. With part of the hull ripped open, the Glengyle sustained uncontrolled water ingress in one of the holds and engine room causing the vessel to partially sink by the stern. The KMTC Surabaya sustained bow damage, but was able to contain the water ingress and was in no danger of sinking. There were no reports of injuries on either vessel.

Vietnamese Authorities responded to the incident and found the Glengyle had released oil pollution resulting in an oil sheen around both vessels. Containment booms were placed to contain the pollution.

Reports state the vessels were still locked together as both vessels drifted towards the shoreline. Salvage plans state the vessels will be pulled away from each other. Authorities state that maritime traffic in the area was not impacted by the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.