On February 3, the 64 foot long tugboat Fishhawk went aground in the Sinclair Inlet near Port Orchard, Washington. The Fishhawk had been berthed at a nearby marina when 40 knot winds and 3 foot waves broke its mooring lines. Winds blew the vessel along the shoreline until it grounded on a sandbank. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The Fishhawk’s owners have stated the vessel would be refloated on the next high tide.
On January 25, seven vessels broke free from their moorings on the Hudson River near Albany, New York. Five barges, one tugboat and the 140 foot long passenger ship Captain JP III broke free after rains and warming weather caused the water level on the river to rise and released several ice jams. Pulled downstream, the Captain JP III drifted until it struck the railroad bridge. The passenger ship was too tall to pass under the bridge and became wedged under the span. Many of the other vessels were able to pass under the bridge without mishap, but several did strike the bridge.
Multiple tugs were dispatched and were able to free the Captain JP III and recover the other unmanned tugboats and barges. No reports of injuries.
Authorities report the bridge did sustain some minor damage, but the bridge should remain in operation. The Captain JP III sustained significant hull damage to its stern.
The 37 meter long tug Cavalier XV sank on the Paraná River near San Cosme y Damián, Paraguay. The area was struck by a strong storm with large swells causing water ingress. The Cavalier XV’s engine room flooded and partially sank leaving only part of the superstructure above water. No reports of injuries. Authorities state there is some oil sheen around the wreck.
