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Tag: Mississippi River

Barges Strike Bridge, Two Sink

Barges Strike Bridge, Two Sink

Natchez–Vidalia Bridge

A towboat with 20 barges loaded with coal struck the center pier of the Westbound lanes of the Natchez–Vidalia Bridge which crosses over the Mississippi River.   Local residents reported that the collision was loud enough to hear along the bluffs overlooking the river.  Officials closed the bridge for several hours to inspect the bridge.   The inspections found no problems stating the damage was limited to a few scrapes on the pier.  Two of the 20 barges sank after the collision.  One is in deep water directly under the bridge while the other is downriver on the right bank.   The barge owners stated they will be working with a salvage company to recover both barges. 


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Barges Strike Bridge

Barges Strike Bridge

Reports state that a towboat lost sixteen barges on the Mississippi River at Vicksburg, Mississippi.  The 180 foot long towboat Kay A. Eckstein had 30 barges in tow when it allided with a railroad bridge.  This section of the Mississippi River is known to be difficult to navigate, but high flood waters made naviagtion even more problematic.  One barge sank while another became pinned to a pier of the highway I-20 bridge.   The I-20 bridge was closed for several hours until an inspection could be completed.   Reports state there was no concerns about pollution as the barges were loaded with dry cargo of bean, corn or grain.  No injuries were reported.

More information on the Kay A. Eckstein

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Four Barges Sink

Four Barges Sink

Four barges broke free and sank on the Mississippi River near Winfield, Missouri. The motor vessel Julie White was pushing the barges, loaded with gravel, downstream as it approached the locks at Dam 25. The current pulled the barges free and pulled them onto the piers at the dam. The water rushed over the barges which quickly swamped and sank pinned against the piers. The current near the lock was strong as the dam was operating as ?open river?. An ?open river? means that all the dam?s gates were open to accomidate the high water level. Salvage plans are being made with the Corps of Engineers. The Coast Guard is conducting an investigation into the accident.