Coast Guard Responds to Drifting Barges

The Coast Guard responded to an incident on the Mississippi River that resulted in approximately 45 barges breaking free of their moorings in the vicinity of the Osage fleeting area approximately 1 mile south of the Popular Street Bridge. The Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi River Command Center received a call from the manager at Osage Marine informing the Coast Guard of the multiple barge break away. The Coast Guard immediately broadcasted a notice to mariners of the situation and requested towboats in the area to assist. The Coast Guard values the assistance provided by the towboats in the area during the recovery operation. All barges were reported secured. The only known damage at this time is to the superstructure of the towing vessel Tom McConnell and an Army Corp of Engineer barge moored at the foot Arsenal Street. There was no damage to any bridges and no known oil or hazardous material spills.

The Coast Guard is currently on scene assessing the damage and investigating the incident.