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Fortunately, no one was injured when four grain barges broke loose from a twenty barge tow. The Mississippi River barge accident is being blamed on high water levels and a fast current caused by the rainy weather.
The accident occurred at about 2:00 in afternoon on Friday, May 20. High water and rapid current forced the tow out of its path down river. One of the barges it was pushing hit a moored barge. Four barges broke off; one hit a dock and three sank near the U.S. 190 Bridge.
The Coast Guard closed the Mississippi River to maritime traffic for five miles at Baton Rouge to ensure the public's safety while the barges are secured. The bridge was briefly closed for inspection, but was reopened.
The loose barge headed south down river, but has been corralled by the U.S. Coast Guard.
No one was injured and there was no pollution from this maritime accident. However, the situation could have been dangerous to any offshore workers in the area.
On May 14, four barges broke away from their moorings and struck the same bridge.
The maritime injury attorneys at the Young firm are relieved to hear there were no injuries. However, this accident is a reminder of the dangers that river workers face every day. We would like to remind all those who work on the Mississippi River that high waters can be dangerous and to use extra care at this time.
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