The tugboat Clarkston collided with the 45,222 dwt freighter Genco Marine on the Columbia River near Vancouver, Washington. The Clarkston veered and struck Genco Marine which was at anchor. Reports state there might be damage to Clarkston. The reason for the tug striking the freighter has not been reported. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation.
The 80-foot fishing vessel Meridian was in distress twice within two weeks. On February 21, 2011 the Meridian contacted the Coast Guard for assistance while off the coast of Rockland, Maine. The Meridian reported that it had lost power and the vessel’s generator was broken. The 270-foot Coast Guard Cutter Seneca took the Meridian under tow and safely reached Boston on February 22.
Less than a week later on February 27, the Meridian sent out a distress call while off Cape Ann, Massachusetts Bay stating the vessel was in distress. The Coast Guard sent out a request to see if any vessels were in the vicinity of the Meridian and could assist if possible. The 133 foot long, 158 gt tug Viking responded and headed towards the Meridian. The weather conditions were severe with 25-30 knot winds and 8 to 12 foot waves. The Viking’s crew was able to get a towline over the fishing vessel using a line throwing gun. The Viking then towed the vessel towards Gloucester until the Meridian could be transferred to the Coast Guard. The Viking is owned by the K-Sea Transportation.
A tugboat and it?s barge went aground off Kudat, Malaysia. The vessels encountered rough seas while sailing from Pitas to Kimanis with a cargo of stone. The cause of the strong waves was from the tsunami released off Japan earlier that day. Reports state the crew was safe and they were able to pull the vessels back into deeper water with the high tide. No reports of damage or pollution being released.