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.
The towboat Crimson Gem had 4 barges break loose on the Mississippi River near Baton Rouge, Louisana. The towboat was pushing 20 barges when the flood waters and swift current caused 4 barges to break free. Three barges sank while one struck the US 190 road bridge. The bridge was closed a short time while it was inspected for any damage. No reports of injuries or pollution being released. All 4 barges were carrying a cargo of grain. The Coast Guard has suspended traffic along a 5-mile section of the Mississippi River where the incident occurred.
