Maritime Accident News

Barge Hits Hines Bridge in Massachusetts

A barge hit Hines Bridge while heading up river, which left the swing bridge unable to completely close.  MassHighway officials spent the week following the accident, assessing the damage.

“From preliminary reports, it looks like the barge hit and knocked the bridge out of alignment. But we are still assessing the damage and looking at repairs that need to be made,” said Adam Hurtubise, spokesman for MassHighway.

The barge accident took place on Thursday, November 13, shortly before noon.  According to Hurtubise, this accident will not affect Mass Highway’s plans to shut the bridge down for a complete overhaul next fall.  The current plan is to repair the damaged bridge, reopen it and then close it again next fall for renovation, which is estimated to be closed for at least two years.

The 250-foot long William Breckenridge barge was carrying three transformers for National Grid when it smashed into the Hines Bridge as it passed through the channel near Deer Island.  This barge had started its journey in Pennsylvania, traveled up the East Coast and stopped in Lynn to deliver one of the transformers.  The final destination was the Amesbury boat ramp that is not far from the Hines Bridge.

Newburyport Harbormaster Ralph Steele was on board the William Breckenridge barge at the time of the accident.  He was asked to join the crew on board the barge while they made the last part of their journey, because of his knowledge of the local waterways.  At the time of the crash, he was taking a photograph.

The U.S. Coast Guard is still investigating the details of the accident.  One officer has already speculated that the crash was most likely the result of operator error.  He made sure to say that this statement was his personal opinion and more information will be available as soon as reports are completed.

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