Boston Patriot; Cape Cod, Massasschusetts

Cape Cod, Massasschusetts | 1987-Nov-29

Initial Notification: The container barge BOSTON PATRIOT broke lose from its tug just outside of the Cape Cod Canal at Cape Cod Bay on or about Friday, 27 Nov or Saturday 28 Nov. The BOSTON PATRIOT grounded approx 300 yards south of the Cape Cod Canal within the borders of the village of Sandwich, MA. The bottom on the BOSTON PATRIOT has been very damaged with 15 of the 21 bottom tanks flooded. Initial report is that the BOSTON PATRIOT is very firmly aground, not in danger of sinking and the situation is stable. . One 20 foot container aboard the BOSTON PATRIOT containes 76 (55gal) drums of a chemical reported to be "DIISOCYANATE." This material is believed (at this time) to be TOLUENE-2,4-DIISOCYANATE. . USCG MSO Providence is OSC for this incident. The SSC has been asked to provide information on the chemical TOLUENE-2,4-DIISOCYANATE and suggest what the "worst case" scenario might be if this material reacts with water. . Information provided to date has come from NOAA's Ed Overton and from CDC's Kent Gray. Technical information on the chemistry of "TDI", toxicology, and safety recomendations have included the theme that maximum safety and prevention of TDI mixing with water or other materials is the best course of action. . The on scene OSC has elected to open the 20 foot container containing TDI with contractor personnel in level "B" equip. The intent of this inspection is reported to determine if any damage has occured to the drums of TDI during transportation. Info related to if this inspection was conducted or the results of the inspection has not yet been received. . At 1800 hours of 29 Nov the weather is deteriorating with Gale force winds announced and heavy rain. . Detailed technical information on the chemical "TDI" is incuded in the following hotline reports for the information of all concerned. USCG district 1.