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Tag: Mississippi

Leland Speaks

Leland Speaks

Leland Speaks

On February 22, the 18 meter long towboat Leland Speaks caught fire on the Mississippi River near Greenville, Mississippi. The Leland Speaks was pushing 21 barges when fire broke out on the towboat. The crew was unable to extinguish the blaze and requested assistance. Local towboats responded and rescued the eight crew.  No reports of injuries. The towboats pushed the burning Leland Speaks aground near the riverbank. No reports of pollution released.  The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

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.

Kathryn T. Devall

Kathryn T. Devall

Kathryn T. Devall
Photo: Gulfport Fire Dept via wlox.com

On August 3, a 195 foot long barge caught fire on the Intracoastal Waterway in the Mississippi Sound. The barge was under tow by the 23 meter long towboat Kathryn T. Devall carrying some 2500 pounds of anhydrous ammonia and 800 gallons of diesel fuel. Authorities in Gulfport, Mississippi were alerted and firefighters were able to douse the fire.

No reports of injuries to the 4 crew on board.  The Kathryn T. Devall and the barge were not in danger of sinking, but the vessels required to be towed to shore. An environmental team was dispatched to help with cleanup.