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Bridge Strike off St. Louis

Bridge Strike off St. Louis

Barge Strike Eads Bridge
Photo: fox2now.com

On the afternoon of November 14, a tanker barge struck allided on the Mississippi River off St. Louis, Missouri. The Coast Guard reported that 6 tanker barges loaded light cycle oil had broken free from a tow on the Mississippi River. One of these barges struck the Eads Bridge, but there was no damage to the tanker barge and no pollution was released.

 

All six barges were later recovered later the same day. Reports were not clear what the cause the barges to break free. An aerial inspection of the bridge did not reveal any visible damage. The incident is under investigation.

 

Joe Bobzien

Joe Bobzien

Joe Bobzien
Photo: bp.blogspot.com

On January 3, the 55 meter long towboat Joe Bobzien ran aground on the Mississippi River near Caruthersville, Missouri. The Joe Bobzien was pushing 35 barges when it went struck bottom. The barges broke free causing traffic to stop along a 30 mile stretch of the river.  Reports state multiple vessels were deployed to assist recovering the barges. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Little Mike

Little Mike

Little Mike
Photo: kfvs12.com

On May 27, the 40 foot long towboat sank on the Mississippi River off Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The vessel had sunk during the early morning hours with no one on board. The vessel had some 150 gallons of fuel on board and the Coast Guard was monitoring to see if any pollution has been released. Reports state the Little Mike sank outside the navigation channel and does not intefere with river traffic.  The owners have stated they will wait until the river level drops before salvage begins.