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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.

Towboat Collision off Vacherie

Towboat Collision off Vacherie

Collision off Vacherie
theadvocate.com

The 195 foot long towboat American Heritage collided with the towboat David G. Schert on the Mississippi River near Vacherie, Louisiana. After the collision five of the barges being pushed broke free. One barge capsized releasing its cargo of caustic soda solution into the river. Coast Guard reported that upto 23,672 gallons of the solution could have been released into the water.  No reports of injuries on either vessel.  Traffic was halted on that section of the Mississippi River, but was later reopened. The cause of the collision is under investigation.

Related articles
Little Mike

Little Mike

Little Mike
Photo: kfvs12.com

On May 27, the 40 foot long towboat sank on the Mississippi River off Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The vessel had sunk during the early morning hours with no one on board. The vessel had some 150 gallons of fuel on board and the Coast Guard was monitoring to see if any pollution has been released. Reports state the Little Mike sank outside the navigation channel and does not intefere with river traffic.  The owners have stated they will wait until the river level drops before salvage begins.