As of 1 p.m. Monday, the Houston Ship Channel has remained closed to ships because two vessels are partially submerged after an incident. The U.S. Coast Guard has not reported any injuries.
A 25-foot harbor tug, Annie Moon, and 200-foot attached barge sank where they were moored just south of Galena Park about 5:00 a.m., according to the Coast Guard.
“The assessment team determined that approximately 20 gallons of diesel fuel leaked from the tug, which was carrying about 300 gallons,” the Coast Guard told KHOU 11 News. “The area has been boomed off to contain and recover any additional spill while the vessels are being recovered.”
Big John, the Big John Marine cargo crane, was expected to start lifting the sunken vessels at 1:00 p.m. The Coast Guard said it will work with crews to ensure the ship channel is clear prior to reopening it to traffic.
