Pac-Dubhe Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

**Title: Mississippi River Collision: Freight Vessels in Stalemate Near Norco** On March 23, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., a significant maritime incident occurred on the Mississippi River when the cargo vessel *African Buzzard* (IMO: 9720225) collided with the *Pac Dubhe*. The *African Buzzard*, traveling from Plaquemines Parish Port to New Orleans, struck the *Pac Dubhe*, which was en route from Baton Rouge to Cristobal, at mile marker 124.5 near Norco. The collision resulted in the anchor of the *African Buzzard* becoming lodged in the bow of the *Pac Dubhe*, binding the two vessels together at coordinates 29° 58' N 090° 24' W. The *Pac Dubhe* sustained serious damage to its port side bow, while the *African Buzzard* drifted off course, ultimately grounding itself outside the designated navigation channel. In response to the situation, local authorities have implemented speed restrictions in the vicinity of mile marker 124. A temporary moving safety zone was established to facilitate salvage operations from the incident location to Bonnet Carre, one mile downstream, and across the river's full width. Both vessels' operators are actively engaged in thorough assessments, working on salvage plans to submit to the U.S. Coast Guard, and have tugs positioned alongside to assist in the recovery efforts. As of March 26, 2026, several vessels were on-site, including the *Mr. Ruben* (MMSI: 367753210), *Beverly B.* (IMO: 9585223), *A. Thomas Higgins* (IMO: 9907495), and *Billy G.* (MMSI: MMSI 368427360). Additional support was provided by nearby vessels, including the *Charles L. Strait* (MMSI: MMSI 367535250), *St. Therese* (MMSI: MMSI 367311510), *Martha Lynn* (IMO: 8836637), *Endeavor* (MMSI 368106370), and *Tom Rogers* (MMSI: 367714460). By March 26, the *African Buzzard* was safely berthed in New Orleans around 11:00 p.m. UTC while the *Pac Dubhe* remained immobilized at position 29° 60' N 090° 26' W on March 27. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries to the crew of either vessel, and there have been no environmental concerns or pollution incidents, allowing the Mississippi River to remain open for navigation. The U.S. Coast Guard, in conjunction with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), is currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this collision. For further updates, reports with images can be found at the following links: [The Week](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), [TradeWinds News](https://www.tradewindsnews.com/casualties/bulkers-run-aground-after-mississippi-collision-says-us-coast-guard/2-1-1966563), and [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/NewOrleans/comments/1s2kfpf/collision_yesterday_on_the_river_close_to_norco/).