Mississippi River - Shipwreck Log

Stephen L. Colby

November 25, 2013 Paul Hancock

The 47 meter long, 597 gt towboat Stephen L. Colby sank on the Mississippi River near Le Claire, Iowa. The towboat was proceeding along the river when it struck a submerged object. The vessel’s hull was damaged and suffered water ingress. The Stephen L. Colby was able to reach the riverbank where it sank in 14 feet of water. No reports of injuries to the 9 crew on board. The towboat released fuel and lubricant oil into the river. The Coast Guard placed 3,000 feet of absorbent booms around the partially sunken vessel. Reports state the vessel had some 89,000 gallons of diesel fuel and oil on board at the time. River traffic was halted for a short time to allow clean up operations. Officials from the Coast Guard and United States Environmental Protection Agency have launched an investigation into the incident.

More photos at qctimes.com

Towboat sinks in river in Iowa, releasing oil (stltoday.com)
USCG Responding to Sunken Towboat, Oil Discharge on Upper Mississippi River (gcaptain.com)
Towboat Sinks, Releases Oil in Mississippi River (kcrg.com)

Celeste Ann

June 14, 2013 Paul Hancock

The offshore supply vessel Celeste Ann collided with an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico near the mouth of the Mississippi River near Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. The Celeste Ann later sank. The 4 crew and 19 passengers on board were able to be safely transferred to another nearby vessel. No reports of injuries. The rig was undamaged. Some pollution was released with a gasoline sheen was spotted where the Celeste Ann sank. A boom was deployed to contain the spill. The cause of incident was not yet known. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Justice

March 7, 2013 Paul Hancock

The 30 meter long tugboat Justice suffered a leak and sank in the Mississippi River near New Orleans, Louisiana. The three crew on board were unable to control the water ingress and had to abandoned ship. The tug sank with 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board leaving a small sheen on the water. No reports of injuries. Divers were able to plug fuel vents to prevent any further pollution being released.

Towing vessel carrying fuel and oil sinks in Mississippi River near N.O. (wwltv.com)
UPDATE: Coast Guard responds to sunken towing vessel in Mississippi River (uscgnews.com)

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Shipwreck Log

A log of shipwrecks & maritime accidents for the last 15 years

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Tag: Mississippi River