This Day in History: Texas City Disaster
On 16 April 1947, in the port of Texas City, Texas, the freighter GRANDCAMP, with a cargo of ammonium nitrate, small arms ammunition, machinery, and sisal twine, caught fire. The fire quickly spread to the nearby freighter HIGH FLYER, loaded with ammonium nitrate and sulfur. When the two ships exploded, it largely flattened the harbor area. It is estimated that over 600 people died in the explosion and fires (exact numbers were unattainable due to the extent of damage). The US Coast Guard investigation of the casualty determined that the fire was initiated by unauthorized smoking in the cargo hold of the GRANDCAMP. It recommended, among other things, that regulations for carriage of dangerous goods be revised.(Source: Bryant's Maritime Newsletter)
Trawling for Scrap Metal
It looks like a typical Gulf of Mexico double-rigged shrimp trawler. However at 110 by 28-ft she will be bigger than most shrimpers. Like her sister, the Poncho, delivered in 2009, the new vessel is also built with robust framing and extra power. Like the Poncho, the as yet unnamed vessel, will be trawling for scrap metal, old tires and any other scrap is at the site of a decommissioned oil rig. The work, mandated by U.S. Mineral Management Services in 1990, requires the site to be cleaned to the point that it can be safely trawled by typical Gulf shrimp gear.
From Shrimp To Scrap
Jimmie Martin of Galliano, La. said his firm is still working on three platforms that were damaged by Katrina in 2005. Martins firm, B&J Martin Inc., operates crew and supply boats in the Gulf of Mexico, but their signature work is their site clearance operation. The US Mineral Management Services (MMS) mandated in 1990 that all abandoned well sites and platforms had to be cleaned in such a way that a commercial shrimp trawler could work the bottom without damaging their nets.
Columbian Rope Continues to Hold Strong ... After 175 Years
For more than 175 years, Columbian Rope Company has continued to be a driving force and a leader in the rope and cordage industry. During Columbian's existence, a goal of excellence has been achieved, as evidenced by the rate of repeat clients, who continue to inquire about Columbian's products. With four locations (two in the U.S. and two in Mexico), Columbian Rope enhanced its product base when earlier this year, it became a member of Chicago-based Unicord International — a member of the Unicord Companies. How Did This All Start? In 1903, Edwin Metcalf, a preacher's son with entrepreneurial ambitions, left Massachusetts for Auburn, N.Y. Throughout his travels Metcalf managed to purchase the Osborne Implement Co., an 80-year-old manufacturer of Farm Implements and Bailer Twine.
