Warrant Issued for Privocean after Collision

A U.S. court judge has issued an arrest warrant for the Privocean, after it broke from its mooring in the Mississippi River on Monday and collided with two vessels.

The Greek-owned bulk carrier broke free from its mooring, drifted down river and collided with the 98 foot towing vessel Texas which was moored at the time. It then continued to drift down river and collided with the tanker Bravo which was off loading crude oil. 

The U.S. Coast Guard said about 420 gallons of oil discharged into the river and another 126 gallons was spilled on Bravo's deck during the accident.

Ergon-St. James Inc. filed a suit on April 9 against the ship for damage to its docking facility, reports Nola.com.

Over a 45-minute period, Privocean pushed the Bravo through the docking area, damaging the ship berth and a barge berth, according to the lawsuit. The facility will need extensive repairs as a result.

The company asked U.S. District Judge Jay Zainey to seize Privocean and auction it to cover the costs.

The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.