Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 6 October 2009

Headlines: Somalia – two suspected pirates arrested by Spanish Navy; USCG – meeting re nontank vessel response plans; CEQ – meeting re Interim Report of Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force; NTSB – course for emergency responders to transportation accidents; Greenville, Mississippi – river closed temporarily following allision; Portland, Oregon – mass rescue exercise; Washington – response tug assists grounded fishing vessel; and UK – cargo fire extinguished.

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Somalia – two suspected pirates arrested by Spanish Navy

The EU Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) issued a press release stating the two suspected pirates have been arrested off the coast of Somalia. Pirates had hijacked a Spanish fishing vessel and brought it near Somalia. The EU NAVFOR Spanish warship Canarias arrived in the area. When two suspected pirates departed the fishing vessel in a skiff and headed to shore, the warship intercepted it and arrested the occupants. During the arrest, one of the suspected pirates was lightly injured. He was given medical treatment and his condition is stable. (10/4/09). Note: Unofficial reports indicate that the two suspects will be taken to Spain for trial.

USCG – meeting re nontank vessel response plans

The US Coast Guard issued a notice clarifying that the meeting in Washington, DC to receive public comments on its proposals regarding nontank vessel response plans and other vessel response plan requirements will be on October 28. The earlier notice announcing this meeting inadvertently listed two different dates for the same meeting. Meetings will also be held in Oakland (November 3) and New Orleans (November 19). 74 Fed. Reg. 51245 (October 6, 2009).

CEQ – meeting re Interim Report of Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) seeks comments on the Interim Report of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force. The CEQ will host a public meeting at its headquarters at 722 Jackson Place, NW, Washington, DC beginning at 1:00 pm on October 9. The meeting will focus on marine spatial planning and the shipping industry. Individuals who cannot attend in person may utilize the conference call – 202 395 6392 - Pass code 465 9853. Written comments should be submitted by October 17. 74 Fed. Reg. 48521 (September 23, 2009).

NTSB – course for emergency responders to transportation accidents

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued an advisory stating that it is offering a three-day course – “Transportation Disaster Response-A Course for Emergency Responders” at its center in Ashburn, Virginia on November 17-19. (10/5/09).

Greenville, Mississippi – river closed temporarily following allision

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it closed the Lower Mississippi River at Greenville to navigation after a towing vessel allided with the Old Greenville Bridge and six rock barges broke loose. A second news release stated that the waterway was reopened to navigation after the barges were recovered. The incident is under investigation. (10/4/09).

Portland, Oregon – mass rescue exercise

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that on October 7, it and other on-water response agencies will conduct Mass Rescue 2009 Exercise, a full-scale multi-agency exercise in the Portland/Vancouver area to demonstrate their capabilities and effectiveness to respond to a major waterside incident on the Columbia River. (10/5/09).

Washington – response tug assists grounded fishing vessel

The Washington State Department of Ecology issued a news release stating that its emergency tug stationed at Neah Bay in the Strait of Juan de Fuca responded to a fishing vessel that ran aground nearby. The tug assisted in refloating the vessel. There were no reports of pollution. (10/4/09).

UK – cargo fire extinguished

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a press notice stating that a bulk cargo carrier en route Glasgow reported that its cargo of corn gluten pellets had started to generate heat and smoke. Hatches were closed to isolate the fire. A Maritime Incident Response Group (MIRG) team consisting of four firefighters from the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were transferred to the vessel via a Coastguard Rescue helicopter. The fire has been contained and the vessel is being diverted to Southampton. (10/2/09).

If you have questions regarding the above items, please contact the editor:

Dennis L. Bryant

Bryant’s Maritime Consulting

4845 SW 91^st Way
Gainesville, FL 32608-8135

USA

1-352-692-5493
dennis.l.bryant@gmail.com

http://brymar-consulting.com

© Dennis L. Bryant – October 2009

Redistribution permitted with attribution