​​​​​​​​​​​​​On January 11, 2025, at 0250 local time, the integrated tug and barge Krystal Sea/Cordova Provider was transiting Prince William Sound when the four lines connecting the tug to the barge parted, causing the barge to uncouple from the tug. The barge drifted, eventually grounding on the coast of Axel Lind Island, Alaska, about 0635. There were no injuries, and no pollution was reported. The barge Cordova Provider, valued at $2.9 million, was declared a constructive total loss by the vessel’s owner. The Krystal Sea was not damaged.

​We determined that the probable cause of the grounding of the barge Cordova Provider was due to shock loading that led to the parting of the push lines connecting the Cordova Provider to the tug Krystal Sea.​
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