On January 24, the towboat Virginia Renee sank on the Mississippi River at Hickman Landing near Blytheville, Arkansas. The towboat had sunk at its berth releasing oil pollution into the river. Booms and absorbent pads were placed around the Virginia Renee to contain the pollution.
Reports state the towboat had some 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board at the time of the sinking. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident. No reports of injuries.
On January 24, the 42 meter long towboat George King caught fire on the Mississippi River near Vicksburg, Mississippi. The fire started in the vessel’s engine room and quickly engulfed the superstructure. The nine crew on board were able escape the flames by climbing onto the barges being pushed by the George King. The 168 foot long towboat Michael Reeves came to their assistance and pushed the George King ashore onto the river bank. No reports of injuries.
The Coast Guard along with other local and state authorities arrived on scene a short time later. River traffic was restricted while authorities extinguished the blaze. A boom and absorbent pads were placed around the George King to contain any pollution. Reports state there was 65,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board the George King.
The fire had gutted most the towboat’s superstructure and no reports if the George King will be salvaged or scrapped.
On January 10, the 123 foot long towboat Gate City sank on the Big Sandy River near Butler, West Virginia. The towboat had sunk at its moorings releasing some 1300 gallons of oil into the river. Authorities were alerted and dispatched a team to the scene. Booms were placed around the Gate City to contain the pollution. Some 800 gallons of oil was recovered from the river. Local water service was halted for several days due to the pollution.
Reports state a salvage team pumped the remaining oil off the towboat before the Gate City was refloated. No reports of injuries. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.
