Normal Two-Way Traffic Resumes on Mississippi River Following Collision between Two Bulk Carriers

Published Oct 19, 2006 12:01 AM by The Maritime Executive

A cargo ship proceeding in the Mississippi River struck and damaged an anchored vessel to the west of New Orleans on Monday. A large gash above the waterline was sustained by the Greek-flagged TORM ANHOLT when it was struck by the 712-foot long Panamanian-registered “ZAGORA”, which was headed downriver at the time. Although the anchored ship was listing immediately following the incident, the vessel was not taking on water, nor were there any reported injuries to the combined 45 crew members on either vessel. No pollution was sighted, according to Coast guard reports. There were no reports of damage to the ZAGORA.

Immediately following the accident, local Coast Guard personnel established a one-way traffic safety zone in the area (mile marker 111 to 115), but river traffic was not halted. Since then, normal two-way traffic resumed on Tuesday. After being notified of the incident, which occurred on the Kenner bend of the Mississippi River, local Coast Guard units responded by dispatching two HH-65 Dolphin helicopter rescue crews from Air Station New Orleans, a 41-foot rescue boat crew from Station New Orleans and personnel from Sector New Orleans to investigate.

According to a Coast Guard press release, “the Torm Anholt has a gash on its right side approximately 10-12 feet high by 6 feet long forward of the superstructure and approximately six to nine feet above the waterline.” The damage has been described as “significant.” The Coast Guard is conducting an investigation into the incident. As they look into the cause of the ship collision, investigators have conducted interviews and inspected the ships. Additionally, the standard alcohol and drug screening procedures have been carried out. Investigations were incomplete as MarEx went on line with this edition of the e-newsletter.