The 180 foot long towboat Sally Bromfield lost its barges on the Mississippi River near Transylvania, Louisiana. The towboat was pushing 35 barges when they broke free. Reports state two barges sank with another eight barges damaged. The Coast Guard suspended traffic on the Mississippi until buoys could be placed over the sunken barges. A salvage crane has been requested to raise the barges. No reports of injuries.
The 41 meter long towboat Limestone Lady went aground on the Mississippi River near the French Quarter, New Orleans, Lousiana. The Limestone Lady was pushing 14 empty barges when it suffered a power failure when it struck the rocks the lay in front of the levee. Another tug arrived and kept the barges in place until the crew of the Limestone Lady were able to make repairs and restore power. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution being released.
The 800 foot long tanker Ratna Puja went aground on the Mississippi River near the area called Head of Passes, the area where the Mississippi River breaks into several fingers into the Gulf of Mexico. The tanker had left Plaquemines Perish with a cargo of carbon black oil and was heading southbound towards the gulf when it became stuck. Tugs were able to pull the tanker free a few days later. Reports state the vessel suffered no damage and no oil was released. Authorities stated the Mississippi River has an irregular channel due to the the large amounts of mud and sediment carried from earilier flooding. The Army Corps have 5 dredges in operation in the area and draft restrictions may be enforced.
