Four barges ran aground and sunk on the Ohio River just below the Pike Island Locks near Wheeling, West Virginia. Reports state the barges loaded with coal were being towed when they ran aground while waiting on another towboat to pass. Authorities state the barges are outside the navigation channel and has not impacted traffic. The owner has begun efforts to refloat the barges. No reports of injuries.
A crewman took an unexpected ride down the Ohio River near Wheeling, West Virginia. The man was working on shifting cargo on a fully loaded coal barge when the mooring lines broke loose. For 15 minutes, the crewman floated down the Ohio River towards the Pike Island lock and dam. A towboat responded and was able to safely rescue the crewman. The barge was secured, but only 100 yards from the dam. The Coast Guard reported that several days of heavy rain was to blame for the barge breaking loose. There was no injuries, damage or pollution released.
