The Coast Guard is responding after two cargo vessels collided and became entangled near mile marker 124.5 on the Mississippi River on Monday, March 23. One of the vessels later ran aground following the collision.
The vessels involved were the 656'x118’ Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier African Buzzard and the 587'x89’ Singapore-flagged general cargo vessel Pac Dubhe. According to the Coast Guard, African Buzzard is currently aground, and the two vessels remain entangled, with African Buzzard’s anchor lodged near the bow of Pac Dubhe.
Both vessel operators are conducting damage assessments and developing salvage plans for submission to the Coast Guard. Tugboats are currently on scene assisting the vessels.
The Coast Guard reported no injuries to crew members and no observable environmental impact or pollution. The Mississippi River remains open to vessel traffic, though the Coast Guard has implemented a speed restriction for vessels transiting the area near mile marker 124.5.
The Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board are conducting a joint investigation into the cause of the incident.
