Tug Boat Pushing Two Empty Barges is Grounded Outside Horn Island Pass Near Petit Bois Island

Posted in Mississippi Maritime News on March 26, 2013

PASCAGOULA, Miss. — A press release on Friday, March 22, from the US Coast Guard states that they responded to a report of a grounded tug taking on water outside Horn Island Pass near the western side of Petit Bois Island.

Photo shows Martha T grounded outside Horn Island Pass near Petit Bois Island Mar. 22, 2013.

A report was received by Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile, Ala., that the uninspected towing vessel Martha T grounded at approximately 4 a.m. with five people aboard while making its way inside the channel of Horn Island Pass. The Martha T was pushing two empty red-flag barges. The barges are not grounded with the vessel. Though grounded, the vessel is not in any danger of sinking.

The five people aboard reported no injuries at the time.

A Coast Guard Station Pascagoula boat crew responded with a dewatering pump to assist with any potential flooding, if necessary.

A pollution response and investigation team from Sector Mobile attended the vessel to conduct damage assessments, and an overflight was conducted to look at the sheen.

The Coast Guard is working closely with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Gulf Island National Seashore, Jackson County Emergency Management and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration to respond and mitigate any potential harm to the environment.

The incident remains under investigation at this time.

Blog post by tugboat injury lawyer Gordon & Elias, LLP