Tanker hits NH-Maine bridge, span damaged, closed

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard says two tug boats have pulled an oil tanker away from the bridge that links Maine to New Hampshire after the tanker broke loose from the pier and hit the bridge.

Lt. Nick Barrow says the tanker was damaged on the side that hit the bridge but there was no evidence of leaking.

Barrow says the 473-foot Harbour Feature was reported to have had a mechanical failure at 1:30 p.m. Monday and crashed into the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge, which crosses the Piscataqua River between Portsmouth, N.H., and Kittery, Maine.

Transportation officials say the ship hit the bridge draw while it was in the down position, and that the bridge will be closed to traffic until it's inspected.

Barrow said tanker was pulled away from the bridge around 6 p.m. and the bridge draw was put in the up position.

Cox Media Group