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Allision on the Amazon

Allision on the Amazon

Ucayali
Photo: x.com

On the early morning of May 2, the 47 meter long Peruvian navy vessel Ucayali (CF-14) allided on the Amazon River near the confluence of the Napo River some 50 miles downstream from Iquitos, Peru. The Ucayali was  proceeding on the Amazon when it struck the anchored 196 meter long, 27471 dwt oil barge El Manati (IMO: 8641604) resulting in the hull breach and uncontrolled water ingress. The crew were unable to stop the flooding and the Ucayali partially sank to the river bottom.  Reports state that 30 of the crew were rescued, but 2 crew perished and one was listed as missing. An operation was launched with divers along with aerial drones for the missing crew members.

Damage to the El Manati was not reported, but there were no reports of oil pollution released from the barge. The Peruvian Navy has launched an investigation into the incident.

El Manati

Muchlisa

Muchlisa

Muchlisa
Photo: inspirasa.co

On the afternoon of May 5, the 44 meter long, 211 dwt ferry Muchlisa (IMO: 7930462) sank in the Makassar Strait off the coast of Penajam Paser Utara, Indonesia. The Muchlisa bound from Balikpapan for Penajam with 21 crew and 23 passengers was attempting to berth when its port engine failed when its propeller shaft broke. The crew also found the ferry was suffering uncontrolled water ingress.

Unable to stop the flooding, the crew requested assistance from the PT Ferry 3 Anugerah to take the Muchlisa under tow towards shore. The goal was to beach the ferry and prevent it from sinking.  Unfortunately, the water ingress became worse and caused the vessel to capsize and sink by the stern just 200 meters off the shoreline in 20 meters of water.

Authorities launched a search and rescue soon after the incident. Conflicting reports state nearly all the passengers and crew were able to evacuate and were taken ashore. There are reports that some people on board sustained injuries and taken to hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, one crew member perished and one was reported as missing. One news report stated that not all passengers could be accounted.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state the water police have questioned witnesses along with the helmsman and master of the Muchlisa. There were no reports that the vessel would be salvaged or not.

Myra Eckstein

Myra Eckstein

Myra Eckstein
Photo: Vicksburgnews.com

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.

Myra Eckstein

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.