These reports describe significant environmental incidents reported to and tracked by the National Response Center. They reflect both new incidents and follow-up information describing actions taken for previously reported events. The NRC publishes Incident Summary Reports periodically upon receipt of documentary information from the Federal On-Scene Coordinator.
| NRC Case #: | 008-97 |
|---|---|
| INSUM #: | Three |
| Occurence Date: | 17 March 1997 |
| Location: | Baton Rouge, LA |
| Source: | T/B IB 960 |
| Material: | Pyrolysis Gas |
| Severity: | Major Inland |
| Quantity Discharged: | Unknown |
| Quantity in Water: | Unknown |
| Body of Water Affected: | Mississippie River: Mile Marker 233 |
| Federal On-Scene Coordinator: | Marine Safety Office New Orleans, LA |
SITUATION: On Monday, March 17, 1997, at approximately 1625 hours local time, an allision took place between the M/V F.R. BIGALOW with a 25 barge tow and the Highway 190 Bridge near Baton Rouge, LA. All 25 barges broke free from the tow and all but 1 have been recovered. One barge loaded with a cargo of rock has sunk mid channel in 100 feet of water. The 195 foot double hull T/B IB 960 loaded with 10,000 barrels of pyrolysis gasoline overturned and remains in the inverted position. T/B IB 190 is stable and secure to a spud barge with wire rigging and tied to a levee. All observable leaks have been secured by divers. High benzene levels are no longer being detected in the area. Air monitoring will continue throughout the entire operation. Evacuations of private citizens on the west bank levee adjacent on site remain in effect. The Mississippi River has been reopened to limit southbound traffic to daylight hours and northbound traffic at night. Lightering plan has been submitted to use cargo vent system and is scheduled to commence this morning. Transfer operations should take an estimated 24 hours. Immediately following lightering operations, salvage is scheduled using an A-framed derrick barge. MSO/MSD personnel qand GST remain on scene to continue logistics, rigging, planning and coordinating vessel traffic. CASE PENDS.