On April 13, the 55 foot long towboat Charley Wallace sank on the Ohio River near Cairo, Illinois. Reports state the towboat had over 1000 gallons of diesel fuel on board when it completely sank on the river. Authorities state a sheen can be seen above the wreck. The Coast Guard has dispatched an unit from Paducah to the scene. No reports of injuries. The incident is under investigation.
On July 9, the 48 meter long towboat Eric Haney sank on the Mississippi River near Cairo, Illinois. Reports state all 9 crew was able to evacuate safely when the vessel sank. The towboat had some 79,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board at the time of the sinking. Just after the sinking, a light sheen could be seen a short distance down river, but no further pollution was reported.
The Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit out of Paducah, Kentucky were dispatched to the scene to conduct an initial assessment. Authorities have deployed a boom around the vessel to contain any pollution that may be released. A salvage plan to pull the towboat out of the river is being worked on.
The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.
The US Route 51 bridge spanning the Ohio River near Cairo, Illinois was struck by barges under the tow of the 33 meter long towboat Robert T. The Robert T was pushing 12 flat deck barges down stream when it allided with one of the bridge’s piers. Authorities stopped traffic while inspectors check for any damage on the bridge. A few hours later the bridge was reopened and traffic was permitted. The Coast Guard is conducting an investigation into the incident.
