Browsed by
Tag: United States Coast Guard

Rickey Hughes

Rickey Hughes

Photo: vicksburgnews.com

On the afternoon of May 1, the 51 meter long towboat Rickey Hughes (MMSI: 367057330) pushing a tow of barges allided with the Old Highway 80 Bridge over the Mississippi River at Vicksburg, Mississippi. Reports states the Rickey Hughes was proceeding downstream when it suffered a mechanical breakdown and lost steering at it approached the bridge. The leading barge then struck the number 4 bridge pier causing the tow to break apart. Several barges broke free and drifted away while one barge remained pinned against on the bridge pier.

Authorities halted traffic on the bridge so it could be inspected. Inspectors found the bridge was undamaged and traffic resumed several hours later. Reports state there were no reports of injuries and no pollution released. The Coast Guard and local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Miss Montie

Miss Montie

Miss Montie
Photo: newsdaytonabeach.com

On April 13, the 50 foot fishing vessel Miss Montie ran aground on the Atlantic Ocean near Beverly Beach, Florida. The shrimp boat had suffered engine failure and was unable to proceed under its owner power. A nearby fishing vessel attempted to take the Miss Montie under tow, but the vessel was underpowered and had to drop the tow.

The Miss Montie requested assistance from the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard dispatched a rescue boat to assist.  The Coast Guard arrived on site and safely transferred the 2 crew and the vessel’s dog off the Miss Montie. The Coast Guard refused to take the fishing vessel under tow citing that conditions were too dangerous to take the shrimp boat under tow.

The Miss Montie was left to drift unmanned for several hours until it washed ashore. Reports state the master of the Miss Montie has hired a fishing vessel to pull the shrimp boat free.  The Coast Guard was monitoring the area for any signs of pollution released.  Reports state the Miss Montie will require repairs to its propeller.

Eileen Rita

Eileen Rita

Eileen Rita
Photo: uscg

On the morning of April 11, the 86 foot fishing vessel Eileen Rita ran aground in Boston Harbor off Green Island.  The Eileen Rita and proceeding in shallow water at low tide when it grounded on the rocks. The 3 crew on board donned immersion suits and sent out a distress call to the Coast Guard. Before the Coast Guard arrived on scene, the fishing vessel rolled over onto its port side and partially sank.  The Coast Guard and Boston police boat arrived on scene and safely rescued the 3 crew.  No reports of injuries.

The Coast Guard reports that the oil and fuel pollution had been released from the Eileen Rita. Authorities state as much as 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 50 gallons of lubrication oil was released. A long sheen of oil and fuel could be seen from the fishing vessel to the shores of Green Island.  The Coast Guard stated they are monitoring the pollution and stated it may take upwards of several days to clean up the spill.

The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident. Officials have stated they are looking into if the master of the fishing vessel had fallen asleep allowing the vessel to run aground.