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Tag: Texas

Industrial Merchant

Industrial Merchant

Industrial Merchant
Photo: USCG

On the night of October 28, the 114 meter long, 10049 dwt cargo vessel Industrial Merchant (IMO: 9534470) allided in the Galveston Ship Channel at the port of Galveston, Texas. The Industrial Merchant had struck the pier resulting in hull damage. The extent of damage had not been disclosed, but the cargo vessel fuel tank had been ruptured releasing fuel oil pollution.  The United States Coast Guard responded to the scene. Traffic on the Galveston Ship Channel was halted to prevent further spread of pollution and provide some safety to allow responders to conduct cleanup efforts. The Coast Guard laid out booms to contain the fuel oil spill.  No further details on clean up efforts were disclosed.

Several nearby cruise ships had to delay departures for several days until the Coast Guard completed cleanup.  Authorities stated the source of the oil spill had been secured and the exact amount of fuel oil released is under investigation. No reports of injuries.

 

Second Chance

Second Chance

FV Second Chance
Photo: kiitv.com

On July 31, the 21 meter long fishing vessel Second Chance ran aground in the Gulf of Mexico off Port Aransas, Texas.  The shrimp boat had suffered engine problems and became disabled. The Second Chance went adrift and eventually went ashore on the beach.  The United States Coast Guard dispatched a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter to the scene. The helicopter was able to pull off all three crew on board the Second Chance along with the two dogs onboard. No reports of injuries.

Authorities dispatched a response team to monitor the shrimp boat. They report there was no signs of any pollution released. Authorities have requested the vessel owner to salvage the vessel as soon as possible.

 

Miss Peggy

Miss Peggy

Miss Peggy

On July 16, the 55 foot long towboat Miss Peggy (MMSI: 366935050) capsized on the Houston Ship Channel near the Lynchburg Ferry crossing. Reports state the Miss Peggy lost stability when the 656 foot long bulk carrier Yangze 7 was passing nearby. Four of the five crew on board the Miss Peggy were later rescued by nearby vessels. The Coast Guard and local authorities search the area for man than a day for the missing crewman before his body was recovered.

Salvage of the Miss Peggy was launched quickly after the incident. A large crane barge was able to right and bring the towboat up to the surface. The United States Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.