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Tag: Mississippi River

Double Barge Collisions

Double Barge Collisions

On January 26, multiple barges were in multiple incidents on the lower Mississippi River. Near Hahnville, Louisiana, a barge loaded with caustic soda capsized after two towboats collided.  Traffic was halted around the area as crews were attempting to recover the barge. No injuries or pollution was released.

Barge
Photo: natchezdemocrat.com

Near Nanchez, a barge loaded with oil slurry struck a bridge over the Mississippi River. The impact ruptured the barge’s hull allowing some 24,000 gallons of oil to be discharged into the water.  The Coast Guard arrived on scene and removed the remaining 700,000 gallons of oil on to two other barges. No reports of injuries.

Inez Andreas

Inez Andreas

Inez Andreas

On January 13, the 67 meter long towboat Inez Andreas along with its barges allided with a railroad bridge over the Mississippi River at Vicksburg, Mississippi. The towboat lost two barges that broke free. One of these barges later sank.  Authorities closed traffic on the bridge until it could be inspected.  The barge that sank did not pose any hazard for traffic. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Towboat Collision off Memphis

Towboat Collision off Memphis

William E Strait
Photo: msnewsnow.com

The 33 meter long towboat Margaret Ann and the 67 meter long towboat William E. Strait collided on the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee. The two towboats were attempting to pass each other when  they collided near the Interstate 55 bridge.  The William E. Strait sustained hull damage and water ingress and sank near the riverbank in 20 feet of water. The Coast Guard dispatched a vessel to the scene to monitor the situation. Divers and a clean-up crew arrived on scene and barriers were placed around the towboat to contain any pollution released. A sheen was reported around the William E. Strait as some fuel has been released.  No details reported on the status of the Margaret Ann.  No injuries were reported.