On January 13, the 67 meter long towboat Inez Andreas along with its barges allided with a railroad bridge over the Mississippi River at Vicksburg, Mississippi. The towboat lost two barges that broke free. One of these barges later sank. Authorities closed traffic on the bridge until it could be inspected. The barge that sank did not pose any hazard for traffic. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
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.
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.