On April 13, the 55 foot long towboat Charley Wallace sank on the Ohio River near Cairo, Illinois. Reports state the towboat had over 1000 gallons of diesel fuel on board when it completely sank on the river. Authorities state a sheen can be seen above the wreck. The Coast Guard has dispatched an unit from Paducah to the scene. No reports of injuries. The incident is under investigation.
The 22 meter long towboat Natalie Jean capsized and sank on the Mississippi River near New Orleans, Louisiana. The Natalie Jean was pushing a barge when it lost stability while making a turn in the river. The towboat suddenly capsized spilling the crew member in the pilothouse into the river. The nearby towboat Earl Gosling rescued the crew man from the water. A short time later the Natalie Jean rolled over and sank.
Reports state two other crew members of the Natalie Jean were reported as missing. The Coast Guard along with local authorities launched a search and rescue operation for the missing crew.
Traffic on the Mississippi River was halted around the area where the Natalie Jean sank. Reports state the towboat had some 600 gallons of diesel fuel on board when it sank. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.
On March 7, the 64 foot long towboat Ms Nancy C sank in Everett Lake (Mississippi River) near Dyersburg, Tennessee. The Ms Nancy C was preparing a tow when it sprung a leak in the stern. The crew started the pumps and determined another dewatering pump was needed. The crew went ashore to get another pump. When the crew returned, they found the Ms Nancy C had already partially sank by the stern.
The Coast Guard was alerted and booms were placed around the towboat. Reports state the Ms Nancy C had 3000 gallons of diesel fuel on board. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.