Tanker and tug collide in Houston Ship Channel

JUNE 3, 2013 — The Coast Guard yesterday responded to a collision between a tug pushing barges and a tanker in the Houston Ship Channel Sunday.

There has been no report of pollution or injury from either vessel. The unloaded 800-foot tanker, Minerva Maya, reported damage to the port bow and the five barges being pushed by the tug, M.L. Crochet, sustained some damage.

The unloaded 800-foot tanker, Minerva Maya, sustained some damage after a collision with a tug pushing barges in the Houston Ship Channel June 2, 2013. No injury or pollution was reported from the incident. U.S Coast Guard Photo

The 105,709, 2002-built, Greek flag Minerva Maya is operated by Athens headquartered Minerva Marine. The pusher tug M.L. Crochet was delivered to Crochet Boat Company by Thoma-Sea in 1996.

All vessels were reported as secured and in stable condition.

Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Texas City watchstanders were notified of the collision at 9 a.m. and began the response.

A team of incident responders, marine inspectors, port state control examiners and marine casualty investigators from the marine safety unit went to each vessel to conduct a preliminary investigation and mitigate any possible risk to environment or the mariners aboard the vessels.

The cause of the collision is under investigation.

The unloaded 800-foot tanker, Minerva Maya, sustained some damage after a collision with a tug pushing barges in the Houston Ship Channel June 2, 2013. No injury or pollution was reported from the incident. U.S Coast Guard Photo