African-Buzzard

The 'African Buzzard', en route from Plaquemines Parish Port to New Orleans, was in collision with the cargo m/v 'Pac Dubhe' (IMO: 9304021), en route from Baton Rouge to Cristobal, on the Mississippi River at mile marker 124.5, close to Norco, on March 23, 2026, at 3.30 p.m. The anchor of the 'African Buzzard' got embedded in the bow of the 'Pac Dubhe', leaving the two vessels stuck together in pos. 29° 58' n 090° 24' W. The 'Pac Dubhe' suffered severe damage to its port side bow. The 'African Buzzard' drifted out of the navigation channel and ran aground. Authorities have imposed speed restrictions in the area near mile marker 124. A moving safety zone was in effect for salvage operations near river mile 124.5. to Bonnet Carre at river mile 128, one mile ahead, astern and bank-to-bank from vessels en route. Both vessel operators were conducting comprehensive assessments to develop salvage plans for submission to the Coast Guard and have tugs alongside. As of March 26, the 'Mr. Ruben' (MMSI: 367753210), 'Beverly B. ((MO: 9585223), A. Thomas Higgins (IMO: 9907495) and 'Billy G. (MMSI: MMSI 368427360) were on site. The 'Charles L. Strait' (MMSI: MMSI 367535250), 'St. Therese' (MMSI: MMSI 367311510), 'Martha Lynn' (IMO: 8836637),'Endeavor' (MMSI 368106370) and 'Tom Rogers' (MMSI: 367714460) were nearby too. The 'African Buzzard' was berthed in New Orleans on March 26 at around 11 p.m. UTC. The 'Pac Dubhe' remained stationary in pos. 29° 60' N 090° 26' W as of March 27. There were no reported injuries to crew members on both vessels, no observable environmental impact or pollution, and the Mississippi River remained open to vessel traffic. The U.S. Coast Guard has implemented a speed restriction for vessels transiting the area near the incident site. The Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were conducting a joint investigation into the cause of the incident. Report with photo: https://www.theweek.in/news/maritime/2026/03/26/us-coast-guard-responds-after-freighter-bulk-carrier-collision-in-mississippi-river-all-you-need-to-know.html https://www.reddit.com/r/NewOrleans/comments/1s2kfpf/collision_yesterday_on_the_river_close_to_norco/