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 #: | Four and Final |
| 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 secured to a spud barge with wire rigging and tied to a levee. The Mississippi River remains opens with restrictions, southbound traffic during daylight hours and northbound traffic at night. Transfer operations have been secured having off-loaded an estimated 75 percent of the cargo. Crain barges are being moved into place and are rigging for righting operation today. Once the barge has been righted, inspectors plan on giving the barge a permit to proceed to a repair facility. MSO/MSD personnel and GST remain on scene to continue logistics, rigging, planning and coordinating vessel traffic. CASE CLOSED THIS UNIT.