The 27 meter long towboat Gemini and its barge allided with a railway bridge on the Hollands Diep near Moerdijk, Netherlands. The Gemini and the barge was coming from Gertruidenberg when it struck on of the bridge piers. The vessels remained stuck against the pier until it could be pulled free an hour later. Traffic on the railway bridge was halted until it was later inspected. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On September 2, two towboats collided on the Mississippi River near Columbus, Kentucky. Reports state six barges were damaged by the collision including one barge carrying 1 million gallons of slurry oil. The barge had one of its tanks ruptured releasing some 120,000 gallons of the 250,000 in the tank hold. Reports state the pollution has been released into the river, but the slurry oil is heavier than water and collects below the surface making estimates difficult. The Coast Guard along with the owner of the barge have dispatched a pollution response team to the scene. Traffic along the 17 miles stretch of the river has been halted. No reports of injuries.
The 45 foot long motor vessel Challenger and Barge No. 1 sank in the Nushagak River near Kokwok, Alaska. The Challenger was towing the barge in a side tow when both vessels capsized and sank. The two crew on board were able to safely escape. The men were able to climb onto the overturn hull and never got wet. The men were later safely rescued by a passing boat. No reports of injuries. The barge was loaded with scrapped vehicles from New Stuyahok bound for Dillingham. Initial reports stated no pollution, but a later aerial survey spotted a sheen down river. The cause of the sinking was not yet determined, but strong winds were reported in the area.
