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Luther

Luther

Luther
Photo: USCG

On the afternoon of October 18, 2024 the 31.7 meter long, 158 gt tugboat Luther (IMO: 7427477) became disabled on the Pacific Ocean 10 miles off La Push, Washington. The Luther was towing a concrete barge when it suffered steering failure while in strong winds and waves.  The tugboat suffered water ingress as it drifted towards the shore.  Unable to fix the steering, the Luther contacted the Coast Guard requesting assistance.

The Coast Guard dispatched a 47-foot motor lifeboat and an emergency tug along with aircraft from the Air Station from Astoria, Washington.  The Coast Guard arrived on scene and found the Luther still afloat with the barge nearby, but the towline between the vessels had been disconnected. While setting up a towline to the Luther with the emergency tug, the barge nearly collided with the vessels prompting the Coast Guard to transfer the 5 crew of the Luther to another lifeboat.  The Coast Guard dispatched additional vessels which secured a towline to the Luther along with the concrete barge.  All the vessels proceeded to a safe harbor.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

Washington

Washington

Washington
Photo: towboatgallery.com

On February 18, the 170 foot long towboat Washington allided with a bridge over the Ohio River between Evansville, Indiana and Henderson, Kentucky.  The Washington was pushing 10 empty barges when it struck the middle pier of the Twin Bridge.  There was no damage to the towboat or barges and the bridge sustained only a minor scrape.  Authorities were alerted to the incident and traffic was reduced on the bridge until it could be inspected. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

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.