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Tag: Towboat

Ed McLaughlin

Ed McLaughlin

Ed McLaughlin
Photo: coastguardnews.com

The 18 meter long, 83 gt towboat Ed McLaughlin capsized and sank on the Ohio River near Cheshire, Ohio. The towboat was near mile marker 259 when it lost stability and capsized.  All three crewmen on board the Ed McLaughlin were able to abandon ship before the towboat sank.  The crew were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.  The Coast Guard reports the Ed McLaughlin had some 4900 gallons of diesel fuel on board at the time of the sinking.  A response team was on scene and is monitoring the situation.  A light sheen has been spotted in the river suggesting some fuel has leaked from the Ed McLaughlin.  The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Tom Bussler

Tom Bussler

Tom Bussler
Photo: towboatgallery.com

The 58 foot long towboat Tom Bussler capsized and sank on the Tennessee River near Calvert City, Kentucky. The two crew on board were rescued by the towboat George Leavell.  Both crew were taken ashore and transported to a nearby hospital.

The Coast Guard has dispatched a vessel to monitor the wreck. Reports state the Tom Bussler had some 4100 gallons of diesel fuel on board at the time, but there has been no signs of pollution released.

Jacob Kyle Rusthoven

Jacob Kyle Rusthoven

Jacob Kyle Rusthoven
Photo: uscg

On September 12, the 30 meter long, 218 gt towboat Jacob Kyle Rusthoven caught fire on the Mississippi River at mile marker 664 near Helena-West Helena, Arkansas. The towboat was pushing 9 barges loaded with rocks when the fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room.  The crew was unable to contain the blaze and sent out a distress call. A nearby vessel came to their and evacuated the crew.  The Jacob Kyle Rusthoven was then pushed to the Arkansas shoreline where local fire fighters were able to extinguish the blaze 7 hours later. No reports of injuries. 

The Coast Guard had stopped nearby traffic on the Mississippi River during the incident. Reports state the Jacob Kyle Rusthoven had some 13,300 gallons of diesel fuel on board at the time, but no pollution was detected. Authorities stated that 3 of the rock barges had broken free during the incident, but were later recovered.