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Tag: United States Coast Guard

Great Pacific Adrift Twice

Great Pacific Adrift Twice

Great Pacific
Photo: USCG

On October 27, the 40 meter long, 199 gt fishing vessel Great Pacific (IMO: 7947506) became disabled in the Gulf of Alaska some 100 miles south of Yakutat, Alaska. The Great Pacific had lost power after its drive shaft broke in heavy seas with waves reaching 30 feet.  The fishing vessel requested assistance with the 46 meter long United States Coast Guard cutter John Witherspoon (MMSI: 338926458) responding. The cutter safely transferred all 5 crew off the Great Pacific and took the vessel under tow. While proceeding to Yakutat, the cutter went adrift when its main engine failed off Kayak Island. The cutter dropped the towline to the fishing vessel while it restored power.  The cutter would regain control and proceeded to Yakutat leaving the Great Pacific unmanned and adrift. No reports of injuries.

 

Authorities were able to monitor the drifting fishing vessel over the following days. A Coast Guard aircraft conducted an overflight as the Great Pacific drifted into shipping channels. The tugboat Betty was able to reach the Great Pacific before it ran aground off Kayak Island. The tug proceeded to tow the fishing vessel to Port Etches where the vessel will undergo survey and inspection for seaworthiness.

 

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.