PHOTOS AVAILABLE: Coast Guard responds to vessel collision in Pascagoula, Mississippi

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 03/12/2022 02:58 PM EST

united states coast guard

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Heartland
Contact: 8th District Public Affairs
Office: 504-671-2020
After Hours: 618-225-9008
Eighth District online newsroom

Coast Guard responds to vessel collision in Pascagoula, Mississippi

A drillship sits up against a bulk carrier vessel March 12, 2022, in Pascagoula, Mississippi. A drillship sits up against a bulk carrier vessel March 12, 2022, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.  A drillship after collision with a bulk carrier vessel March 12, 2022, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

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NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard is responding to a collision between two vessels Saturday morning near the VT Halter Shipyards and Chevron docks in Pascagoula, Mississippi. 

At approximately 1:30 a.m. Coast Guard Sector Mobile watchstanders received a report from the National Response Center of a collision between two vessels. The Valaris, a 752-foot drillship, reportedly broke free of its moorings due to high winds and collided with the Akti, a bulk carrier ship. 

The Valaris is reported to have approximately 580,000 gallons of diesel onboard the vessel. The drillship is currently still up against the Akti and is anchored while being held in place by three tug vessels. Both vessels reportedly have minor damage, with some damage to the pier.

Coast Guard Sector Mobile has sent three prevention team members to monitor the situation. There have been no reports of injuries or pollution at this time.

The channel was previously closed due to weather but will remain closed until the vessels are separated. 

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-USCG-