Sunken Towboat Lifted from Neches River

A towboat that sank in Texas' Neches River August 21, and caused a temporary closure of the waterway, was lifted out of the water Wednesday Evening.

T&T Marine, a contractor hired by the towboat company, refloated and towed the vessel Louise to Bolivar Barge Cleaning Service. The vessel was dry-docked and is awaiting inspection and potential repairs.

A small amount of residual oil on the water was removed by oil spill responders using oil spill containment and absorbent booms. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, Louise was laden with 6,000 gallons of fuel oil, 70 gallons of lubricant oil, and 30 gallons of hydraulic fluid.

The Coast Guard fully reopened the waterway without restrictions.

Four crew members were rescued by a Good Samaritan tug operator when Louise capsized near mile marker 284 early August 21. No injuries were reported.

Coast Guard personnel continue to investigate the incident.