T/V Provence; Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Portsmouth, New Hampshire | 1996-Jul-01

Initial Notification: At approximately 2245 Eastern Daylight Time, July 1, 1996, (spring tides) during off-loading operations at a Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH) dock on the Piscataqua River, the T/V Provence broke free of 21 mooring lines securing her to the dock. Two 10-inch diameter hoses were severed, releasing approximately 21 barrels (880 gallons) of heavy #6 oil into the river. The vessel had been carrying 250,000 barrels of #6 oil used to generate electricity at the PSNH Newington Station. The Provence drifted to the Maine side of the river and grounded in the mud. A rock jammed in the anchor when the vessel retrieved it while preparing to go to anchorage. The fluke of the anchor was held in the open position and punctured the vessel just above the turn of the bilge. There was very little oil in the punctured tank and little, if any, escaped. The hole in the vessel was not discovered for several days. Dispersants were discussed as a response option, but were not used due to the nature of the oil. USCG district 1. Keyword: none.