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Tag: Tugboat

Syringa

Syringa

On March 18, the 11 meter long tugboat Syringa sank in Halfmoon Bay near Merry Island, British Columbia.  The Syringa while towing a barge had massive suffered water ingress quickly flooding the vessel. The two crew had barely enough time to abandon ship before the tugboat sank. The two swam to the Merry Island where they were assisted by the lighthouse keeper. Both suffered from mild hypothermia, but were unharmed. The vessel had sank so fast they were unable to make a mayday call. Witnesses had notified authorities who dispatched a helicopter and vessel to the scene. A tug was dispatched to pick up the barge.

Sea Bear

Sea Bear

Sea Bear
Photo: Shipspotting.com

The 21 meter long tugboat Sea Bear sank off Fire Island, Long Island New York.  The Sea Bear was returning to New Haven, Conn. from Shinnecock Inlet when the tug began to take on water.  The crew was just able to make a distress call to the Coast Guard before the vessel sank.  The four men on board were forced to abandon ship into the water.  Three men were in survival suits and were later rescued. The master of the vessel perished in the cold water as he was not wearing a suit. The 3 survivors were treated for hypothermia.  The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Maryland

Maryland

Maryland
Photo: uscg

On February 18, the 106 foot long tugboat Maryland and its barge became stuck in ice on the Hudson River off West Point, New York. The Maryland was proceeding to Newburgh pushing a barge loaded with 850,000 gallons of heating oil when it became trapped in ice. The Maryland requested assistance with the Coast Guard cutters Line and Willow responding along with the nearby tug Jason Reinauer.  The cutters arrived and broke-up the surrounding ice, but could not approach the Maryland too close due to their size.  The smaller Jason Reinauer was able to approach closer to the Maryland and was able to break the tug and barge free.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.