Explosion and Grounding on Mississippi River

Champion Trader, a 531-ft. Panamanian flagged motor vessel, suffered an explosion in the engine room and immediately grounded itself in the mud. The explosion, near the port side fuel tank, ripped a 30-ft. hole in the hull from the waterline to the main deck. Approximately 3,700 gal. of heavy fuel oil was discharged into the river. One crewmember was killed, and four suffered injuries. The river was closed from mile marker 1 to 3 for approximately two hours. Cutter Pamlico served as an on-scene platform until barges were located to implement lightering operations. Marine Safety Office New Orleans deemed the environmental impact to be minimal. The internal transfer of cargo and bunker oil was conducted to ease pressure on the bulkhead.