The USCG cutter Bridle ran aground on a sand wave, a pile of sediment that had been churned up by the water, near the Richmond Bridge on the Kennebec River. The Bridle was heading to Gardiner, Maine to begin ice breaking operations when it grounded. Reports state there was no damage to the vessel. The vessel will try to refloat on the next high tide.
The 17324 dwt freighter Ainu Princess was disabled off the Dry Tortugas after it’s engine failed and lost propultion. The Ainu Princess was loaded with 8800 tons of dry grain from New Orleans bound for Mariel, Cuba. The vessel contacted the Coast Guard for assistance that it was at risk of going aground. The Coast Guard was on scene, but the Owners of the Ainu Princess had arranged the tug Resolve Pioneer to tow the vessel to Mariel. The tug will release its tow just outside the harbor as it cannot enter Cuban territorial water.
The 52532 dwt freighter West Bay collided with the 50 foot fishing vessel Michael Brandon some 20 miles off the coast of Hull, Massachusetts. The fishing vessel sustained severe damage, but was able to be towed back to Scituate, Massachusetts. However, it later sank in the harbor. Reports state there were no injuries on either vessel. The Coast Guard is conducting an investigation.
