Four barges ran aground and sunk on the Ohio River just below the Pike Island Locks near Wheeling, West Virginia. Reports state the barges loaded with coal were being towed when they ran aground while waiting on another towboat to pass. Authorities state the barges are outside the navigation channel and has not impacted traffic. The owner has begun efforts to refloat the barges. No reports of injuries.
On March 5, the 131 foot long, 622 gt towboat Mike A. Nadicksbernd struck the Lock and Dam 52 on the Ohio River a few miles downstream from Brookport, Illinois. The Mike A. Nadicksbernd was pushing 20 barges, 19 empty and one loaded with steel rods, when strong winds caused the towboat to allide with the Lock and Dam. The strong current cause the towboat to become pinned against the lock wall. The towboat sustained water ingress in the engine room and developed a small list to port.
The Coast Guard dispatched a response boat to the scene. No reports of injuries. The Mike A. Nadicksbernd has some 47,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board, but no signs of pollution being released.
The 30 meter long towboat Austin C. Settoon allided with Racine Locks and Dam on the Ohio River near Meigs County, Ohio. The Austin C. Settoon was proceeding with three barges loaded with heating oil when one barge broke free at the lock chamber. The towboat and the remaining two barges were pulled by the current and pushed up against the dam.
No reports of injuries and no reports of damage to the vessel or dam. All three barges remain intact and no pollution was released. The Austin C. Settoon and barges will be pull free when the river level recedes the following day.
