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Tag: Towboat

Kathryn T. Devall

Kathryn T. Devall

Kathryn T. Devall
Photo: Gulfport Fire Dept via wlox.com

On August 3, a 195 foot long barge caught fire on the Intracoastal Waterway in the Mississippi Sound. The barge was under tow by the 23 meter long towboat Kathryn T. Devall carrying some 2500 pounds of anhydrous ammonia and 800 gallons of diesel fuel. Authorities in Gulfport, Mississippi were alerted and firefighters were able to douse the fire.

No reports of injuries to the 4 crew on board.  The Kathryn T. Devall and the barge were not in danger of sinking, but the vessels required to be towed to shore. An environmental team was dispatched to help with cleanup.

 

Eric Haney

Eric Haney

Eric Haney
Photo: uscg

On July 9, the 48 meter long towboat Eric Haney sank on the Mississippi River near Cairo, Illinois. Reports state all 9 crew was able to evacuate safely when the vessel sank. The towboat had some 79,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board at the time of the sinking. Just after the sinking, a light sheen could be seen a short distance down river, but no further pollution was reported.

The Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit out of Paducah, Kentucky were dispatched to the scene to conduct an initial assessment. Authorities have deployed a boom around the vessel to contain any pollution that may be released. A salvage plan to pull the towboat out of the river is being worked on.

The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

 

Graestone Express

Graestone Express

Vicksburg Mississippi Bridges
Photo: Shipwrecklog.com

On May 23, the 52 meter long towboat Graestone Express allided with a bridge on the Mississippi River near Vicksburg, Mississippi. The towboat was pushing 14 barges loaded with coal or grain when it struck the bridge. Some 11 barges broke loose, but later corralled onto the nearby riverbank. No reports of injuries.

Traffic was halted over the bridge and and all nearby vessel traffic on the river. Inspectors found the bridge to be safe. All traffic resumed after a few hours. No reports of damage or pollution released.