A segment of the Ohio River near Pittsburgh was closed to maritime traffic on Monday as crews used sonar to search for a barge that was believed to have sunk over the weekend. This barge was one of more than twenty that broke loose and drifted down the rain-swollen river.
The U.S. Coast Guard initiated an inquiry into how 26 river barges became untethered from their moorings late Friday, colliding with a bridge and damaging two marinas. Almost all of the barges were loaded with coal, fertilizer, and other dry goods.
No injuries were reported, and there were no spills of hazardous materials into the river, according to Pittsburgh police and Coast Guard officials. However, the river was expected to remain closed to mariners while the barge owner devised a plan to salvage the runaway vessels.
Cmdr. Justin Jolley of the Coast Guard marine safety unit in Pittsburgh stated that high water levels were being considered as a possible cause or contributing factor. The region had experienced flooding after heavy rains on Thursday.
Alan Nogy, operations project manager of locks and dams at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Pittsburgh District, mentioned that tied barges are at risk during periods of high water on the Ohio River. He highlighted how the powerful current could lead to situations like the one that occurred.
Nogy provided updates from the Emsworth Locks and Dam, where seven barges remained stuck. Another barge was lodged against the Dashields Locks and Dam downstream. One barge was still missing and presumed submerged.
Coast Guard Cmdr. Jolley expressed optimism about locating the missing barge and reinstating navigation. He also acknowledged the absence of injuries, pollution, or major infrastructure damage from the incident.
The barges that broke loose were under the ownership or operation of Campbell Transportation Co. Company representatives were present at the scene but were unavailable for immediate comment.
Several boat slips at the Branchport Boat Club were destroyed by the barges, causing significant impact on business operations. Peggy’s Harbor, another marina on the Ohio River, also suffered severe damage.
Despite a loose barge striking the Sewickley Bridge, no significant damage was found during inspection, allowing the bridge to reopen for traffic. The American Waterways Operators group is awaiting the investigation results to gain further insights into the incident.
By Michael Rubinkam
