USCG UPDATE: Panamax Tanker Strikes Jackup Rig, Grounds Itself Off Port Aransas [IMAGES]

On the approach into the channel at Port Aransas, Texas this morning, the 74k DWT product tanker, FR8 Pride, a Scorpio Tanker-managed vessel, lost power and collided with the Rowan EXL-1 jackup drilling rig.

AIS tracking data indicates the FR8 Pride may have been traveling at around 8.8 knots at the time of the incident.

The following is the report from the US Coast Guard:

Watchstanders at Sector Corpus Christi received a report at 7:25 a.m., that the Rowan EXL-1, a mobile offshore drilling unit, and the 750-foot tanker vessel FR8 Pride had collided in the Aransas Channel, near buoy 3.

The FR8 Pride was heading inbound in the Aransas Pass Channel when it reportedly lost propulsion and drifted into the Rowan EXL-1.

The FR8 Pride was able to separate itself from the Rowan EXL-1 with the assistance of nearby tugs.

The Rowan EXL-1 suffered significant damage, resulting in a minor hydraulic oil leak from a damaged crane.

The crew of the Rowan EXL-1 was able to move the MODU offshore and stabilize it by deploying its legs.

The crew of the FR8 Pride reported flooding in a forward ballast space, but they were able to control the flooding and ground the FR8 Pride two miles offshore.

The Coast Guard deployed multiple assets to respond to the collision including:

• Two MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter from Air Station Corpus Christi
• An HU-25 Guardian jet from Air Station Corpus Christi
• Two 45-foot Response Boat – Medium from Station Port Aransas
• The Coast Guard Cutter Manatee homeported in Corpus Christi

The Coast Guard has currently deployed teams of offshore vessel inspectors, port state control examiners, marine casualty investigators and pollution responders.

The Aransas Pass Channel remains open to traffic.

There were no reports of injuries or significant pollution.

The Coast Guard is currently investigating the cause of the incident.