Two Ships Collide on Mississippi River, One Grounds

The U.S. Coast Guard has reported a collision between two vessels on the Mississippi River on March 23, which resulted in one of the ships running aground. No injuries or environmental damage were reported.

The incident involved the Singapore-flagged general cargo ship Pac Dubhe, which was sailing toward Panama, and the Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier African Buzzard. During the collision, the anchor of African Buzzard became lodged in the bow of Pac Dubhe, causing the vessels to remain stuck together.

After the impact, the 199.99-meter African Buzzard drifted out of the main navigation channel and eventually grounded. Authorities have since introduced speed restrictions in the area around mile marker 124, while several tugboats have been dispatched to assist the vessels.

An investigation into the incident has been launched jointly by the National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Coast Guard.