Tanker freed following bridge allision

APRIL 3, 2013 — The Coast Guard reports that the 473-ft tanker Harbour Feature was successfully freed at approximately 6 p.m., Monday after its allision with the Sarah Long Bridge, on the Piscataqua River in Portsmouth, N.H. (see earlier story)

Broadcaster NECN showed tanker hard against bridge prior to being freed during slack tide

Tug boats were able to safely tow the 16,609 dwt, 2011-built chemical tanker from the bridge to the state pier during a slack tide.

Though that allowed the channel to be reopened to vessel traffic, it looks like the bridge will remain closed to vehicles for four to six weeks, even under what officials describe as an “aggressive time line” for repairs.