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Tag: Towboat

Papu Mar

Papu Mar

Papu Mar
Photo: comexonline.com.ar

On the night of April 17, the 32 meter long towboat Papu Mar (MMSI: 755103015) sank on the Río de la Plata Punta in the Indio Channel near the Banco Chico reef off Argentina. The Papu Mar was pushing the barge 240-4 carrying 140 containers when the towboat suffered uncontrolled water ingress caused by stormy conditions. The crew was unable to control the flooding and the towboat partially sank by the stern. The nine crew on board were able to evacuate the vessel and seek refuge on the barge.  Authorities would later rescue the crew and safely transferred them to Port of La Plata where they would receive medical treatment.

Papu Mar
Photo: comexonline.com.ar

The RN Salvamento dispatched the tug Ona Don Lorenzo (IMO: 9328388) to assess the situation. The tug was found the Papu Mar had completely sunk, but still connected to the barge. The barge would later be uncoupled and towed to Buenos Aires. Authorities were monitoring the sunken towboat for any potential release of pollution. Reports state the vessel owners were arranging the refloating of the Papu Mar. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Local news reports state the towboat had possibly made an error in judgement to cross the river during the storm. There are suggestions that the rudder room or excessive listing may have allowed water to flood the vessel.

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.