Ohio Towboat sinks

Ohio Towboat sinks

Photo by Mark Haury

The 58 foot twin screw towboat Jo Ann McGinnis sank in the Ohio River off the Wurtland Riverport,Kentucky.  The towboat was making sure a barge station was properly secured as water levels on the Ohio River have risen to flood stage.   The Jo Ann McGinnis began to take on water and went down close to shore.   The pilot on board was forced to swim to shore.  An investigation is being conducted into the cause of the accident.   No reports on pollution being released.   The coast guard has place a marker to keep other watercraft away from the area.  The Jo Ann McGinnis was built in 1975 by Ashland Drydocking Co and powered by two Cummins KT19 diesels, 850 hp engines.

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