Search Called Off for Two Missing After Ship Collision
Responders have called off a search for two fisherman missing following a fatal ship collision near Galveston, Texas, the U.S. Coast Guard said on Thursday.One crew member has been rescued, one is deceased and two remain missing at the conclusion of a three-day search involving the Coast Guard and local responders that covered more than 49 square miles by aerial flights, shore patrols and maritime searches.“It is never an easy decision to suspend a search," said Cmdr. Jordan Baldueza, Sector Houston-Galveston search and rescue mission coordinator.
Collision, Spill Forces Houston Channel Closure
Cleanup continues in response to an oil spill in the Houston Ship Channel that resulted in the release of approximately 168,000 gallons of bunker fuel oil. On March 22, 2014, the M/V Summer Wind and Kirby Barge 27706 collided in the Houston Ship Channel in the vicinity LT 26 near the "Texas City Y", the Houston-Galveston Port Community said in an announcement. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) announced that Unified Command is working closely with the Vessel Traffic Service, paired with assessments of the Houston Ship Channel, to determine when partial vessel traffic can resume.
Houston Pilots Association To Christen M/V Bayou City
The Houston Pilots Association will christen the pilot boat M/V Bayou City at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 12, at the Port of Houston Authority's Sam Houston Pavilion located at 7300 Clinton Drive. and Commissioner Janiece Longoria; members of the Houston Pilots Association, elected officials, maritime industry officials and community leaders. "This will be a momentous occasion for the port and the entire Houston Ship Channel industry base," said Capt. Mike Morris, presiding officer of the pilots. The $6 million M/V Bayou City vessel measures 72 feet in length with a breadth of 43 feet. It has a depth of 16 feet, a draft ranging from 10 to 12 feet, and can travel at a top speed of 21 knots. with two 4,000-horsepower Caterpillar Series 3412 engines that have a fuel capacity of 7,500 gallons.
Waterways Re-Open
The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin stating that all ports, channels, and tributary waterways in the COTP Houston/Galveston AOR are open to project depth. Particular caution is advised, though, in the Galveston Bay Entrance Channel, the Galveston Harbor Channel, and Barbour’s Cut due to possible shoaling. The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Marine Safety Bulletin stating that all waterways in the MSU Morgan City AOR are open to project depth, with the exception of the Houma Navigation Canal north of the Houma Navigation Bridge. Minimum wake restrictions are in effect from GIWW MM 20 to MM 65 and in the vicinity of MM 160. Continued caution is advised as the waterways and shorelines remain in a delicate condition. (9/29/05).
