Four barges ran aground and sunk on the Ohio River just below the Pike Island Locks near Wheeling, West Virginia. Reports state the barges loaded with coal were being towed when they ran aground while waiting on another towboat to pass. Authorities state the barges are outside the navigation channel and has not impacted traffic. The owner has begun efforts to refloat the barges. No reports of injuries.
On March 13, the 50 meter long, 581 gt supply vessel Leigh River sank in the Gulf of Mexico some 55 miles off Veracruz, Mexico. The vessel had sprung a leak in the engine room which overwhelmed the Leigh River’s pumps. Unable to control the flooding, the crew sent out a distress call. Authorities dispatched a helicopter to the scene while the 190 meter long bulk carrier Sredna Gora diverted to the scene. The helicopter arrived to find all eight crew of the Leigh River safely abandon ship and transfer over to the Sredna Gora. No reports of injuries.
Reports state the Leigh River later sank. No further details reported.
The 22 meter long towboat Natalie Jean capsized and sank on the Mississippi River near New Orleans, Louisiana. The Natalie Jean was pushing a barge when it lost stability while making a turn in the river. The towboat suddenly capsized spilling the crew member in the pilothouse into the river. The nearby towboat Earl Gosling rescued the crew man from the water. A short time later the Natalie Jean rolled over and sank.
Reports state two other crew members of the Natalie Jean were reported as missing. The Coast Guard along with local authorities launched a search and rescue operation for the missing crew.
Traffic on the Mississippi River was halted around the area where the Natalie Jean sank. Reports state the towboat had some 600 gallons of diesel fuel on board when it sank. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.