The 121 foot long towboat Martha Denton went aground on the Ohio River at Evansville, Indiana. Martha Denton was attempting to make the turn in the river when windy conditions cause the towboat and its barges to run onto the riverbank. An hour later, the Martha Denton and barges were able to be refloated. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The Martha Denton continue to proceed downbound on the Ohio with its 15 barges.
On January 28, the 90 foot long towboat Winnie C became stuck in the ice on the Ohio River near New Matamoras, Ohio. The Winnie C was pushing 15 coal barges when it became stranded mid-river in the ice after being stuck in the ice off Moundsville earlier the same day. Another towboat the 100 foot long Amber Brittany became stranded in the ice off Evansville, Indiana. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution. The Coast Guard reported that the ice continues to grow thicker as cold weather continues in the region. It is not uncommon for vessels to remain stranded until the ice thaws.
The US Route 51 bridge spanning the Ohio River near Cairo, Illinois was struck by barges under the tow of the 33 meter long towboat Robert T. The Robert T was pushing 12 flat deck barges down stream when it allided with one of the bridge’s piers. Authorities stopped traffic while inspectors check for any damage on the bridge. A few hours later the bridge was reopened and traffic was permitted. The Coast Guard is conducting an investigation into the incident.
