The 41 meter long towboat Limestone Lady went aground on the Mississippi River near the French Quarter, New Orleans, Lousiana. The Limestone Lady was pushing 14 empty barges when it suffered a power failure when it struck the rocks the lay in front of the levee. Another tug arrived and kept the barges in place until the crew of the Limestone Lady were able to make repairs and restore power. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution being released.
The 800 foot long tanker Ratna Puja went aground on the Mississippi River near the area called Head of Passes, the area where the Mississippi River breaks into several fingers into the Gulf of Mexico. The tanker had left Plaquemines Perish with a cargo of carbon black oil and was heading southbound towards the gulf when it became stuck. Tugs were able to pull the tanker free a few days later. Reports state the vessel suffered no damage and no oil was released. Authorities stated the Mississippi River has an irregular channel due to the the large amounts of mud and sediment carried from earilier flooding. The Army Corps have 5 dredges in operation in the area and draft restrictions may be enforced.
The Leo Kerner Bridge which connects the towns of Jean Lafitte and Barataria, Lousiana was significantly damaged when a tugboat Julie Marie pushing two barges struck it. The barges loaded with limestone hit the bridge with enough force to knock the swing bridge off its axle. All vehicle traffic has been stopped until emergency repairs could be made in a few days. The Leo Kerner Bridge, also known as the route 302 bridge, is the only connection between the two communities. Two ferries are able to transport passengers while the towns charter taxi and bus service until the bridge is fixed. No reports of injuries or pollution being released.
