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Tag: Mississippi

Graestone Express

Graestone Express

Vicksburg Mississippi Bridges
Photo: Shipwrecklog.com

On May 23, the 52 meter long towboat Graestone Express allided with a bridge on the Mississippi River near Vicksburg, Mississippi. The towboat was pushing 14 barges loaded with coal or grain when it struck the bridge. Some 11 barges broke loose, but later corralled onto the nearby riverbank. No reports of injuries.

Traffic was halted over the bridge and and all nearby vessel traffic on the river. Inspectors found the bridge to be safe. All traffic resumed after a few hours. No reports of damage or pollution released.

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.