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Tag: Towboat

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.

Patrick J. Studdert

Patrick J. Studdert

Patrick J Studdert

On the evening of December 29, the 28 meter long towboat Patrick J. Studdert (MMSI: 367534690) collided with the 225 meter long, 77073 dwt bulk carrier Clara B (IMO: 9304083) on the Mississippi River near the Hale Boggs Bridge in Luling, Louisiana. The Patrick J. Studdert sustained hull damage and uncontrolled water ingress from the collision. The five crew on board the towboat were forced to abandoned ship before the vessel sank. All the crew would later be rescued and taken to hospital for evaluation. The Clara B did not report any significant damage and proceeded to anchor nearby. No reports of injuries on either vessel.

Reports state the Patrick J. Studdert sank in 90 feet of water and a sheen of diesel fuel pollution was visible over the wreck. The Coast Guard and local authorities are monitoring the wreck for any further pollution being released. The incident is under investigation.

Clara B