USCG Investigates ITB Grounding
PORT ARTHUR, Texas – Investigators from Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Port Arthur are monitoring the grounding of the Integrated Tug and Barge (ITB) Mobile approximately 1.5 miles south of the Sabine Jetties here. No injuries were reported, and initial inspections of the 691-foot U.S.-flagged ITB have found no flooding, loss of cargo or fuel. Mobile’s owner, ITB Mobile LLC, has made an attempt to remove the ship from its hard-aground position without success. Additional tug boats are being called to the scene to assist with the removal operation and are expected to be on scene. The vessel is not obstructing navigation, and the port remains open to traffic. Mobile was en route to Ft.
Cargo Removed from Grounded ITB
PORT ARTHUR, Texas - Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Port Arthur is monitoring the grounding of the Integrated Tug and Barge (ITB) Mobile approximately one mile south of the Sabine Jetties here. The 691-foot ITB carrying approximately 330,000 barrels of gasoline and diesel fuel went aground early last Wednesday (July 20, 2005) morning. There have been no injuries or pollution reported as a result of this grounding. The Mobile is hard aground and was unable to be removed by ocean-going tug boats earlier in the week. The Coast Guard is working with Mobile’s owners, ITB Mobile LLC, and other agencies to commence a cargo removal operation in order to re-float the Mobile. Cargo removal operations are expected to commence soon.
