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Tag: Towboat

Niels

Niels

Niels
Photo: limburger.nl

On the afternoon of April 14, the 22 meter long pusher tug Niels (MMSI: 244710345) became disabled on the Julianakanaal near Urmond, Netherlands. Authorities found the Niels wheelhouse had collapsed injuring the person inside. The local fire brigade was able to safely remove the man from the vessel and taken ashore. He would be later taken to hospital for treatment.

An investigation found that a support cable had broken causing the upper part of the wheelhouse to collapse. Reports state authorities had completed its investigation into this incident.

Thor

Thor

Thor
Photo: workboat.com

On the morning of February 18, the 22 meter long, 163 gt towboat Thor (IMO: 8842246) caught fire on the Delaware River near Pea Patch Island, Pennsylvania. The Thor was pushing two barges between Delaware City and Old New Castle when a fire broke out in the engine room.  The crew was able to escape the blaze, but the fire had disabled the steering and the towboat went adrift. The crew sent out a distress call and were rescued by a nearby vessel. No reports of injuries.

The United States Coast Guard along with local authorities dispatched fire fighting vessels to the scene. Reports states the fire was extinguished and the Thor was taken under tow by the tug Wye River (IMO: 9512379).  The incident is under investigation.

Aries

Aries

Aries
Photo: 112fryslan.nl

On the early morning of December 28, the 95 meter long towboat Aries (MMSI: 244730412) allided with the Spannenburg Bridge over the Prinses Margrietkanaal in Spannenburg, Netherlands. The towboat was attempting to pass under the bridge when it struck the bridge damaging both the vessel and bridge. The Aries wheelhouse was demolished from the allision preventing the vessel to proceed under its own power.

The bridge also sustained damage to its nets and lighting. Authorities stopped canal traffic near the bridge while emergency repairs could be completed.  Reports state the Aries wheelhouse may not have been lowered enough to pass under the bridge. No details reported if there were any injuries or pollution released. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.