Bulk Carriers Collide On Mississippi

The Panamanian bulk carrier El Flamenco and Liberian bulker China Spirit reportedly collided on the Mississippi River on February 4. The 70,046 dwt China Spirit was contacted by the El Flamenco (69,351 dwt). A two meter by two meter hole above the waterline was ripped out of the afterpeak ballast tank of China Spirit. The damage has been temporarily repaired and it is awaiting class surveyors approval before loading for the Far East, where permanent repairs will be carried out. El Flamenco was heading north to mile marker 110 to unload its cargo of pig iron from Brazil. China Spirit was anchored at 12-mile anchorage facing northbound 75-80 yards off the west bank, waiting to receive grain from ADM Gromark grain elevators. After the collision both vessels were restricted, El Flamenco to general anchorage and China Spirit to the 12-mile anchorage.