Browsed by
Tag: Mississippi River

Towboat Collision off Memphis

Towboat Collision off Memphis

William E Strait
Photo: msnewsnow.com

The 33 meter long towboat Margaret Ann and the 67 meter long towboat William E. Strait collided on the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee. The two towboats were attempting to pass each other when  they collided near the Interstate 55 bridge.  The William E. Strait sustained hull damage and water ingress and sank near the riverbank in 20 feet of water. The Coast Guard dispatched a vessel to the scene to monitor the situation. Divers and a clean-up crew arrived on scene and barriers were placed around the towboat to contain any pollution released. A sheen was reported around the William E. Strait as some fuel has been released.  No details reported on the status of the Margaret Ann.  No injuries were reported.

Dorena-Hickman Ferry

Dorena-Hickman Ferry

Dorena-Hickman ferry
Photo: dorena-hickmanferryboat.com

The ro-ro passenger Dorena-Hickman ferry became disabled on the Mississippi River at Hickman, Kentucky. The ferry had a cable entangled into its propeller while its scheduled voyage between Dorena, Missouri and Hickman, Kentucky. Divers were requested to clear the cable.  Reports state the ferry was able to resume normal schedule afterwards.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

Towboat Collision on Mississippi

Towboat Collision on Mississippi

Towboat Collision
Photo: wral.com

On September 2, two towboats collided on the Mississippi River near Columbus, Kentucky.  Reports state six barges were damaged by the collision including one barge carrying 1 million gallons of slurry oil.  The barge had one of its tanks ruptured releasing some 120,000 gallons of the 250,000 in the tank hold.  Reports state the pollution has been released into the river, but the slurry oil is heavier than water and collects below the surface making estimates difficult.  The Coast Guard along with the owner of the barge have dispatched a pollution response team to the scene. Traffic along the 17 miles stretch of the river has been halted.  No reports of injuries.