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Tag: Mississippi River

George King

George King

George King
Photo: uscg

On January 24, the 42 meter long towboat George King caught fire on the Mississippi River near Vicksburg, Mississippi. The fire started in the vessel’s engine room and quickly engulfed the superstructure. The nine crew on board were able escape the flames by climbing onto the barges being pushed by the George King.  The 168 foot long towboat Michael Reeves came to their assistance and pushed the George King ashore onto the river bank.  No reports of injuries.

George King
Photo: uscg

The Coast Guard along with other local and state authorities arrived on scene a short time later. River traffic was restricted while authorities extinguished the blaze.  A boom and absorbent pads were placed around the George King to contain any pollution.  Reports state there was 65,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board the George King.

The fire had gutted most the towboat’s superstructure and no reports if the George King will be salvaged or scrapped.

Ricky Robinson

Ricky Robinson

Ricky Robinson
Photo: towboatgallery.com

On December 8, the 66 foot long towboat Ricky Robinson sank on the Mississippi River off Mud Island near Memphis, Tennessee. It is unclear what caused the towboat to sink. The Coast Guard was notified and begun a search and rescue operation for the two people on board.  A search by local authorities and the Coast Guard were unable to locate the two crew.

However, authorities were able to find the Ricky Robinson which now rests on the bottom in 65 feet of water. The owners of the vessel state they will salvage the towboat. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Eric Haney

Eric Haney

Eric Haney
Photo: uscg

On July 9, the 48 meter long towboat Eric Haney sank on the Mississippi River near Cairo, Illinois. Reports state all 9 crew was able to evacuate safely when the vessel sank. The towboat had some 79,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board at the time of the sinking. Just after the sinking, a light sheen could be seen a short distance down river, but no further pollution was reported.

The Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit out of Paducah, Kentucky were dispatched to the scene to conduct an initial assessment. Authorities have deployed a boom around the vessel to contain any pollution that may be released. A salvage plan to pull the towboat out of the river is being worked on.

The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.