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Tag: Towboat

OT 2439

OT 2439

OT 2439
Photo: fontanka.ru

On the evening of June 8, the 51.5 meter long, 197 dwt towboat OT 2439 (IMO: 8995184) sank on the Yenisei River near the Kazachinsky rapids in Siberia, Russia.  The OT 2439 was pushing two empty barges downstream when it struct an unidentified underwater object. The towboat suffered hull damage to its stern with uncontrolled water ingress before the vessel went aground.  The stern of the OT 2439 eventually flooded and partially sinking.  No reports of injuries to any of the 14 crew members.

OT 2439

Reports state the OT 2439 had released oil pollution into the river. Authorities placed measures to contain the pollution including an oil barrier and booms. No details were released on what object was involved in the incident. Russian authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the incident.

Ina XL

Ina XL

Ina XL
Photo: flows.be

On the evening of May 16, the 23 meter long towboat Ina XL (MMSI: 244139668)  sank in the port of Antwerp, Belgium.  The Ina XL was reported to be moored near the Noordkasteel Bridge when it suffered uncontrolled water ingress and partially sank next to the quay. Authorities were alerted and requested divers to assist in refloating the towboat. No reports of injuries.

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.