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Coast Guard Investigating Vessel Fender-bender in Columbia River by Staff Chinook Observer, July 21, 2011

WESTPORT, Ore. -- The Coast Guard is investigating a tug and barge "allision" -- basically a maritime fender-bender -- that occurred in the Columbia River at mile 48 near Westport, Ore., at about 3 a.m., Thursday.

The 123-foot tug Cochise was towing the 357-foot petroleum barge Morro Bay. Both vessels struck anchored piping and equipment belonging to the dredge Oregon. The dredge itself was not struck.

Morro Bay is a double-hulled barge and was empty at the time of the allision.

No injuries or pollution were reported.

Both the tug Cochise and the barge Morro Bay are moored near Astoria.

Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Portland conducted inspections of both the tug and barge Thursday.

The cause of the allision is under investigation.