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Tag: Towboat

Washington

Washington

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.

Mississippi Collision

Mississippi Collision

RC Creppel

On January 26, the 61 meter long towboat Cooperative Spirit collided with the 22 meter long towboat RC Creppel on the Mississippi River off Luling, Louisiana. The Cooperative Spirit proceeded upbound on the river when it struck the RC Creppel and two barges ladden with sulfuric acid.  The barges broke away and the RC Creppel quickly sank. One barge sustained damage and released vapor in the air. The Cooperative Spirit also reported significant damage, but remained afloat.

Authorities were alerted and the Coast Guard dispatched a response boat and a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from New Orleans. Traffic on the Mississippi River was halted while the barges could be secured while searching for the four crew of the RC Creppel.  One crewman from the RC Creppel was pulled from the water by a nearby boat.

Authorities continued a search into the following day, but no signs of the remaining 3 crewmen.  Reports state the search and rescue operation finally ended after 67 hours of searching.  The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Everett Fisher

Everett Fisher

Everett Fisher
Photo: uscg

On January 21, the dredge barge Everett Fisher ran aground in the Matagorda Ship Channel near Port Lavaca, Texas. The dredger had sprung a leak and could not control the flooding. The crew alerted authorities and requested assistance. The 30 meter long towboat Dana Robyn arrived on scene and pushed the Everett Fisher until it ran aground.  The Dana Robyn took the four crew off the Everett Fisher safely. No reports of injuries. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.