Towboat Collision off Memphis
The 33 meter long towboat Margaret Ann and the 67 meter long towboat William E. Strait collided on the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee. The two towboats were attempting to pass each other when they collided near the Interstate 55 bridge. The William E. Strait sustained hull damage and water ingress and sank near the riverbank in 20 feet of water. The Coast Guard dispatched a vessel to the scene to monitor the situation. Divers and a clean-up crew arrived on scene and barriers were placed around the towboat to contain any pollution released. A sheen was reported around the William E. Strait as some fuel has been released. No details reported on the status of the Margaret Ann. No injuries were reported.
