Pac-Dubhe Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

A significant maritime incident occurred on March 23, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m. when the cargo vessel 'African Buzzard' (IMO: 9720225) collided with the bulk carrier 'Pac Dubhe' while navigating the Mississippi River near mile marker 124.5, in close proximity to Norco. The 'African Buzzard,' which was on its way from Plaquemines Parish Port to New Orleans, became entangled with the 'Pac Dubhe,' which was heading from Baton Rouge to Cristobal, as its anchor became lodged in the bow of the latter ship. This unfortunate contact left both vessels immobilized at position 29° 58' N, 090° 24' W. The collision resulted in significant damage to the port side bow of the 'Pac Dubhe,' while the 'African Buzzard' drifted off the navigation route and subsequently ran aground. In response to the accident, authorities established speed limits and a moving safety zone for salvage operations extending from river mile 124 to Bonnet Carre at mile marker 128, encompassing the area bank-to-bank for all vessels transiting the region. Recovery efforts were promptly initiated, with both vessel operators conducting thorough assessments to devise salvage strategies that would be submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard. Support tugboats were positioned alongside to assist with the salvage operations. As of March 26, tugboats including 'Mr. Ruben' (MMSI: 367753210), 'Beverly B.' (MMSI: 9585223), 'A. Thomas Higgins' (IMO: 9907495), and 'Billy G.' (MMSI: 368427360) were on the scene. Additional support vessels such as 'Charles L. Strait' (MMSI: 367535250), 'St. Therese' (MMSI: 367311510), 'Martha Lynn' (IMO: 8836637), 'Endeavor' (MMSI: 368106370), and 'Tom Rogers' (MMSI: 367714460) were also in the vicinity. By March 26, the 'African Buzzard' successfully berthed in New Orleans around 11 p.m. UTC, while the 'Pac Dubhe' remained stationary at position 29° 60' N, 090° 26' W as of March 27. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries to the crew of either vessel, nor was there any observed environmental damage or pollution, allowing the Mississippi River to continue operating for vessel traffic. In light of the incident, the U.S. Coast Guard, along with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), has launched a joint investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the collision. For continuous updates and further details, you can visit the following links: [The Week](https://www.theweek.in/news/maritime/2026/03/26/us-coast-guard-responds-after-freighter-bulk-carrier-collision-in-mississippi-river-all-you-need-to-know.html), [TradeWinds News](https://www.tradewindsnews.com/casualties/bulkers-run-aground-after-mississippi-collision-says-us-coast-guard/2-1-1966563), [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/NewOrleans/comments/1s2kfpf/collision_yesterday_on_the_river_close_to_norco/).