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.
On March 5, the 131 foot long, 622 gt towboat Mike A. Nadicksbernd struck the Lock and Dam 52 on the Ohio River a few miles downstream from Brookport, Illinois. The Mike A. Nadicksbernd was pushing 20 barges, 19 empty and one loaded with steel rods, when strong winds caused the towboat to allide with the Lock and Dam. The strong current cause the towboat to become pinned against the lock wall. The towboat sustained water ingress in the engine room and developed a small list to port.
The Coast Guard dispatched a response boat to the scene. No reports of injuries. The Mike A. Nadicksbernd has some 47,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board, but no signs of pollution being released.