The 180 foot long towboat Sally Bromfield lost its barges on the Mississippi River near Transylvania, Louisiana. The towboat was pushing 35 barges when they broke free. Reports state two barges sank with another eight barges damaged. The Coast Guard suspended traffic on the Mississippi until buoys could be placed over the sunken barges. A salvage crane has been requested to raise the barges. No reports of injuries.
The 41 meter long towboat Limestone Lady went aground on the Mississippi River near the French Quarter, New Orleans, Lousiana. The Limestone Lady was pushing 14 empty barges when it suffered a power failure when it struck the rocks the lay in front of the levee. Another tug arrived and kept the barges in place until the crew of the Limestone Lady were able to make repairs and restore power. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution being released.
The 150 foot towboat Thruston B. Morton was pushing 8 barges loaded with dry cargo down the Ohio River when it veered off course causing 2 barges to break free. The barges floated downriver until they allided with the Shawneetown Bridge which connects Old Shawneetown, Illinois with Kentucky. The bridge was closed until transportation officals could do an inspection. Officals reopen the bridge later after finding no signs of structural damage. Coast Guard stated that high water and strong current caused the vessel to veer off course.
