On August 16, the 16 meter long towboat Hannelore (MMSI: 211746400) ran aground and sank on the Danube near Passau, Germany. The Hannelore was pushing a dredger when it went aground off the Lindau Oil terminal. The towboat suffered uncontrolled water ingress from a defective valve and partially sank in 2.5 meters of water. The Grubweg fire brigade placed booms around the Hannelore to contain pollution. An attempt to raise the towboat failed and a floating crane will be brought onsite to salvage the vessel. Reports state damage to the Hannelore around 10000 euros.
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.
On August 8, the 18 meter long towboat Jacqueline A (MMSI: 367299940) sank 3 miles off North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The towboat was en route from Virginia to a shipyard in Harvey, Louisiana when it suffered water ingress. The three crew on board were unable to control the flooding and the Jacqueline A began to sink by the stern. The Jacqueline A requested assistance with the North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad responding. Local responders aided in rescuing all three crewmembers. No reports of injuries. Reports state the towboat sank in 30 feet of water.
Photo: North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad
On August 21, the Jacqueline A was raised and salvaged from the bottom. The vessel sustained significant damage that the cost of repairs was more than the value of the towboat. The vessel was declared a total loss. An investigation into the incident revealed that the vessel had multiple holes which allowed water to ingress through out the vessel. Many bulkheads were rendered useless by holes used for wire runs. The investigation stated the vessel was known to be in poor condition and should have had a more thorough inspection before proceeding on its voyage.
