U.S. Coast Guard and Valdez police are investigating the collision of a recreational vessel with a response barge moored up alongside the Ship Escort Response Vessel System dock in Valdez on Aug. 24.
The unnamed 37-foot recreational vessel, with two people on board, collided with the response barge 500-2, docked just outside the Valdez Small Boat Harbor, at about 7 p.m., said Lt. Shawn Merrick, senior investigating officer for Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Valdez. No serious injuries were reported, but one person from the unnamed vessel was taken to the hospital.
The recreational vessel sustained heavy damage, while the barge sustained only scraped paint, he said.
“The incident was unfortunate, but could have been much worse,” he said. :The Coast Guard is very appreciative of the collaborative efforts of the Valdez Police Department in response to this potentially deadly marine casualty.”
