New Rules Restrict Large Ships from Traveling Under San Francisco Bay Bridge in Heavy Fog

Posted in California Maritime News,Gulf Coast,Maritime Accidents on February 22, 2013

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Coast Guard and local officials have set new rules that restrict cargo ships, oil tankers and other large vessels from traveling near to the Bay Bridge when in heavy fog when visibility is less than half a mile, in hopes of avoiding future crashes similar to several recent cargo ship accidents that took place while sailing under the San Francisco Bay Bridge.

The most recent accident occurred in January 2013, when the Overseas Reymar struck the bridge while visibility was half a mile, causing approximately $3 million in damage to the bridge. The other accident occurred five years ago, when the Cosco Busan, a 900’ cargo ship, hit the bridge and spilled 53,000 gallons of fuel into the Bay and causing major environmental damage.