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Incident Summary

On the morning of November 1, 1979, the Burmah Agate and the Mimosa collided at
the entrance to Galveston Harbor.  The Mimosa  struck the Burmah Agate  on its
starboard side, tearing an 8 by 15 foot hole in the hull near Cargo Tank No. 5.
 An explosion occurred upon impact, and the leaking oil ignited.  The USCG
immediately dispatched the Coast Guard Cutter Valiant  to begin search and
rescue operations.  By 1230 all 26 crew members of the Mimosa had been found,
but only 6 of the Burmah Agate's 37 crew members were accounted for.  The owners
of the Burmah Agate assumed responsibility for the spill response.  They
contracted Clean Water, Inc. for cleanup operations, and Smit International Inc.
to fight fires on the Burmah Agate, and to assist in salvage.  The Burmah Agate
burned until January 8, 1980 and was towed to Brownsville, Texas on February 1
for scrapping. (USCG Case History)