Tanker and Barge Collision In The Houston Ship Channel

The unloaded 800-foot tanker, Minerva Maya, sustained some damage after a collision with a tug pushing barges in the Houston Ship Channel June 2, 2013. No injury or pollution was reported from the incident. U.S Coast Guard Photo.

HOUSTON — The Coast Guard is responding to a collision between a tug pushing barges and a tanker in the Houston Ship Channel Sunday.

There has been no report of pollution or injury from either vessel. The unloaded 800-foot tanker, Minerva Maya, is reporting damage to the port bow and the five barges being pushed by the tug, M.L. Crochet, sustained some damage. All vessels are currently secured and in stable condition.

Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Texas City watchstanders were notified of the collision at 9 a.m. and began the response.

A team of incident responders, marine inspectors, port state control examiners and marine casualty investigators from the marine safety unit are going to each vessel to conduct a preliminary investigation and mitigate any possible risk to environment or the mariners aboard the vessels.

The cause of this collision is under investigation.