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Tag: United States Coast Guard

Barges Ashore Off Connecticut

Barges Ashore Off Connecticut

Barges Aground
Photo: wtnh.com

On the night of October 30, two 140-foot long hopper barges were blown ashore on Long Island Sound some 5 miles off Milford, Connecticut. The barges had broke their moorings caused by the strong winds from the remains of Hurricane Melissa. The winds pushed the barges up against the shoreline and seawall. Local authorities along with the United States Coast Guard were alerted to the incident.  There were no injuries as there were no personnel on the barges.

Authorities stated the 2 barges will be salvaged and towed back to their original moorings on the next rising tide and if weather conditions allow. The 23.5 meter long tugboat James William (IMO: 8654364) will tow the barges to their mooring.  No reports of pollution released.

Reports state the barges are owned by Buchanan Marine and were frequently used between New Haven, Stamford and New York City.

Industrial Merchant

Industrial Merchant

Industrial Merchant
Photo: USCG

On the night of October 28, the 114 meter long, 10049 dwt cargo vessel Industrial Merchant (IMO: 9534470) allided in the Galveston Ship Channel at the port of Galveston, Texas. The Industrial Merchant had struck the pier resulting in hull damage. The extent of damage had not been disclosed, but the cargo vessel fuel tank had been ruptured releasing fuel oil pollution.  The United States Coast Guard responded to the scene. Traffic on the Galveston Ship Channel was halted to prevent further spread of pollution and provide some safety to allow responders to conduct cleanup efforts. The Coast Guard laid out booms to contain the fuel oil spill.  No further details on clean up efforts were disclosed.

Several nearby cruise ships had to delay departures for several days until the Coast Guard completed cleanup.  Authorities stated the source of the oil spill had been secured and the exact amount of fuel oil released is under investigation. No reports of injuries.

 

Sir Winston

Sir Winston

Sir Winston
Photo: audacy.com

On the afternoon of October 17, the 35 meter long sightseeing sternwheeler passenger ship Sir Winston (MMSI: 368333930) allided on the East River near Williamsburg Bridge in New York.  The Sir Winston was attempting to berth at a pier when it lost propulsion when an air valve broke and the vessel went adrift.

The Sir Winston drifted towards a private dock and asked for assistance, but the people on the dock refused to assist the sternwheeler. The vessel continue to drift down the river when it struck a railway barrier near the bridge. Authorities received a distress call with the New York Fire Department along with the United States Coast Guard responding.  The 75 meter long tugboat Henry Girls (MMSI: 368327980) was dispatched to assist. The tug towed the sternwheeler to Pier 36 safely. There were no injuries to the 50 passengers and 5 crew on board the Sir Winston.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.