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Tag: Louisiana

Mississippi Collision

Mississippi Collision

RC Creppel

On January 26, the 61 meter long towboat Cooperative Spirit collided with the 22 meter long towboat RC Creppel on the Mississippi River off Luling, Louisiana. The Cooperative Spirit proceeded upbound on the river when it struck the RC Creppel and two barges ladden with sulfuric acid.  The barges broke away and the RC Creppel quickly sank. One barge sustained damage and released vapor in the air. The Cooperative Spirit also reported significant damage, but remained afloat.

Authorities were alerted and the Coast Guard dispatched a response boat and a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from New Orleans. Traffic on the Mississippi River was halted while the barges could be secured while searching for the four crew of the RC Creppel.  One crewman from the RC Creppel was pulled from the water by a nearby boat.

Authorities continued a search into the following day, but no signs of the remaining 3 crewmen.  Reports state the search and rescue operation finally ended after 67 hours of searching.  The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Natalie Jean

Natalie Jean

Natalie Jean
Photo: facebook

The 22 meter long towboat Natalie Jean capsized and sank on the Mississippi River near New Orleans, Louisiana. The Natalie Jean was pushing a barge when it lost stability while making a turn in the river.  The towboat suddenly capsized spilling the crew member in the pilothouse into the river.  The nearby towboat Earl Gosling rescued the crew man from the water.  A short time later the Natalie Jean rolled over and sank.

Reports state two other crew members of the Natalie Jean were reported as missing.  The Coast Guard along with local authorities launched a search and rescue operation for the missing crew.

Traffic on the Mississippi River was halted around the area where the Natalie Jean sank. Reports state the towboat had some 600 gallons of diesel fuel on board when it sank.  The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Glory Trader

Glory Trader

Glory Trader

The 225 meter long, 77684 dwt bulk carrier Glory Trader ran aground on the Mississippi River near Pilottown, Louisiana. The Glory Trader was headed to Haifa from New Orleans when it ran aground.

Reports state two tugs were dispatched to the scene to assist in refloating the bulk carrier. No further details reported.