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.
The tugboat Dale White struck an object in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near Willow Springs, Illinois. The tugboat began to fill with water and became stuck in the canal. The vessel did settle to the bottom of the shallow section of the canal, but did not sink. All six crew men were uninjured. An empty barge was attached to the tug with no damage reported. No pollution was released.
The 150 foot towboat Thruston B. Morton was pushing 8 barges loaded with dry cargo down the Ohio River when it veered off course causing 2 barges to break free. The barges floated downriver until they allided with the Shawneetown Bridge which connects Old Shawneetown, Illinois with Kentucky. The bridge was closed until transportation officals could do an inspection. Officals reopen the bridge later after finding no signs of structural damage. Coast Guard stated that high water and strong current caused the vessel to veer off course.
