On February 18, the 170 foot long towboat Washington allided with a bridge over the Ohio River between Evansville, Indiana and Henderson, Kentucky. The Washington was pushing 10 empty barges when it struck the middle pier of the Twin Bridge. There was no damage to the towboat or barges and the bridge sustained only a minor scrape. Authorities were alerted to the incident and traffic was reduced on the bridge until it could be inspected. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On January 28, the 170 foot long, 746 gt towboat Washington with 15 barges allided with the Interstate I-275 Carrol Lee Cropper Road Bridge on the Ohio River near Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Around 4 a.m. the Washington was proceeding slowly upriver with 15 barges loaded with coal when it struck the bridge. Some of the barges broke free and drifted back downstream. Nearby towboats came to the assistance and were able to retrieve all the barges. Reports state some of the barges sustained water ingress and required pumps to dewater.
Traffic remained open on the bridge. A later inspection by Kentucky authorities found no damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.
The 18 meter long, 83 gt towboat Ed McLaughlin capsized and sank on the Ohio River near Cheshire, Ohio. The towboat was near mile marker 259 when it lost stability and capsized. All three crewmen on board the Ed McLaughlin were able to abandon ship before the towboat sank. The crew were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The Coast Guard reports the Ed McLaughlin had some 4900 gallons of diesel fuel on board at the time of the sinking. A response team was on scene and is monitoring the situation. A light sheen has been spotted in the river suggesting some fuel has leaked from the Ed McLaughlin. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.