Early on the morning of Sunday, January 26, at around 5:30 AM, two barge towing vessels traveling along the Mississippi River crashed into each near the Luling bridge in Louisiana.
According to the U.S Coast Guard, four people on board were initially reported missing after the collision. However, one was rescued by a passing private boater and rushed to a hospital, said Petty Officer Sydney Phoenix. The other three mariners have yet to be found, and the Coast Guard has now announced that it has suspended the search for these individuals.
The towing vessels were identified as RC Creppel and Cooperative Spirit. In a statement released by the Coast Guard from Sector New Orleans, the Cooperative Spirit towboat was traveling upriver and moved into a fleeting barge area, where it collided with the RC Creppel vessel towing two barges loaded with sulfuric acid. This accident led to the sinking of RC Creppel and a breakaway of the two barges.
The Coast Guard launched a search for the missing mariners but suspended the operation after 67 hours, allowing the Center Of Toxicology and Environmental Health to monitor the quality of air for possible traces of sulfuric acid. It’s been reported that there was damage to one of the barges, and an unknown amount of sulfuric acid vapor was emitted into the air.
A section of the river between mile marker 121 and 123 was closed but has now reopened. The waterwork companies operating around the area were also directed to close water intakes from the river for safety reasons temporarily.
What might have caused the accident is yet to be established. But as other sailors have it, the currents have been pretty active lately and may be attributed to the towboat collision.
The area of the accident is reportedly not far away from the MV George Prince ferry disaster spot, which claimed 78 lives. This nautical disaster occurred on the morning of October 20, 1976, when Gorge Prince, the Luling-Destrehan Ferry collided with a Norwegian Tanker that was traveling upriver.
Talk to Mike Mahone — A Trusted Louisiana Offshore Injury Lawyer
Accidents like this one, while almost always avoidable, highlight the dangers of working on the Mississippi River. If you or a loved one has been involved in an offshore accident in Louisiana, it’s a good idea to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand your rights. Mike Mahone, the founder of The Mahone Firm, is here to help. Call (504) 564-7342 today for a free case evaluation.
