ISLA DE BIOKO

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Barge sank after collision

The 'Isla De Bioko', en route from Rotterdam, being loaded with urea, was in collision with the barges towed by the tug 'Ginny Rose' on April 27, 2025 at 9.20 p.m. The collision led to one barge sinking and six others going adrift, while sailing downstream on the Mississippi River from St. Rose, Louisiana. The conditions on the river were harsh and challenging at the time of the accident. After receiving news of the collision, the Coast Guard immediately mobilized local assisting tugs, which managed to successfully recover four of the barges, but two of them became fouled in the anchor chains of the 'Red Fin' (IMO: 9607306), which had moored in pos. 29° 56' N 090° 09' W on April 22, en route from Vistino, and the 'Bulker Bee 30' (IMO: 9489986), which left New Orleans on May 9, en route to Veracuz, where it arrived on May 11. The section near the collision site was temporarily closed off by the Coast Guard from mile marker 108 to 111 above Head of Passes, while crews assessed whether it was safe to traverse given the sunken barge. On April 28 at 3 p.m. after the depth of the sunken barge was deemed safe for other vessels and the last two barges were recovered, the channel was reopened, albeit with restrictions. A survey conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had confirmed the sunken barge was located approximately 75’ below the surface. An investigation has been opened into the matter, and salvage plans were being drawn up for the sunken barge. Elevated river levels remained a complicating factor for marine traffic and recovery operations. The 'Isla de Bioko' left New Orleans again on April 28 en route to Baton Rouge, where it arrived on May 1 and left the port en route to Rotterdam with an ETA as of May 23.