Vessel Backlog Nearly Cleared, Salvage Plan Approved
The backlog of vessels waiting to enter or exit the Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River has almost cleared today and the Coast Guard is projecting that it should be completely cleared by mid-day Saturday, weather permitting.Since the Southwest Pass was reopened Wednesday afternoon to one-way vessel traffic, 70 vessels entered and 69 vessels exited the Mississippi River. Today there are 16 awaiting entry and 13 waiting to depart.Bisso Marine, the company contracted to raise and remove the Lee III from the shipping channel…
ASA Presents “Rapid Response” Award
The American Salvage Association (ASA) awarded its first Rapid Response Award on April 29 to the United States Coast Guard Marine Safety Office (MSO) New Orleans for its role in the salvage of the M/V Lee III, a supply boat that collided with a container ship and sank near the Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River on February 21. Five crewmembers were lost in the incident. ASA member Bisso Marine commenced operations to remove the vessel. MSO New Orleans immediately established an open dialogue with the salvor, clearly stated all expectations and offered its full support. As the salvage operation progressed, the need to restore commerce was balanced with operational safety, recovery of the vessel’s crew-members and the protection of the environment.
MSO New Orleans – Hurricane Condition Four
USCG Marine Safety Office (MSO) New Orleans is operating at Hurricane Condition Four due to approaching tropical storms Bonnie and Charlie (the name should have been Clyde). Condition Four means that hurricane force winds are possible within 72 hours. The maritime industry is urged to review their hurricane plans to ensure the safety of their personnel and property. Vessels should plan their transits so as to avoid heavy weather to the extent possible. Bridge closures on the Inner Harbor Navigational Canal may begin up to 48 hours before hurricane landfall. (HK Law).
MSO New Orleans – Hurricane Condition Two
USCG Marine Safety Office (MSO) New Orleans is operating at Hurricane Condition Two due to approaching tropical storms Bonnie and Charlie. Condition Two means that hurricane force winds are possible within 24 hours. The maritime industry is urged to review their hurricane plans to ensure the safety of their personnel and property. Vessels should plan their transits so as to avoid heavy weather to the extent possible. Bridge closures on the Inner Harbor Navigational Canal may begin up to 48 hours before hurricane landfall. (HK Law)
Tanker Hits Pier on Mississippi
The Coast Guard is continuing its investigation into an accident earlier today where a 793-foot tanker struck a pier on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Westwego, La. There were no reports of injuries ashore or on the Maltese-flagged tanker Tsunami. A Coast Guard helicopter overflight observed minor sheening in the area, possibly a result of damage to the S.T. Services pier. Drug and alcohol tests have been administered and the results are pending. The Tsunami, which was carrying an estimated 20 million gallons of sweet crude oil, reportedly has a 3-foot gash above the waterline along the hull's port side. There have been no reports of pollution from the vessel.
MSO Issues Safety Bulletin
USCG Marine Safety Office (MSO) New Orleans issued a Marine Safety Bulletin reminding mariners to exercise extreme caution during the high water levels currently experienced on the Mississippi and other rivers. Caution is particularly called for during fleeting operations and transits of narrow passages, such as bridges.
