Over the weekend, more than two dozen barges broke loose from their moorings on the Ohio River near Pittsburgh, causing chaos and destruction. The U.S. Coast Guard has launched an investigation into how this happened, with one barge believed to have sunk. Most of the barges were loaded with coal, fertilizer, and other cargo, but fortunately, no injuries were reported, and no hazardous materials spilled into the river. Despite this, the affected stretch of the river remains closed to maritime traffic as crews equipped with sonar continue to search for the missing barge.
The Coast Guard is considering high water levels as a possible cause for the barges breaking loose, especially since the area had experienced flooding due to heavy rains. Tied barges are at risk during such conditions, as the power of the water can cause them to break free from their moorings. Alan Nogy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers highlighted the risk posed by the strong currents of the Ohio River, which can lead to situations like the one currently being dealt with. Efforts to salvage the runaway barges are ongoing, with crews focusing on locating the missing barge and ensuring the safety of mariners once the river reopens.
The owner of the barges, Campbell Transportation Co., is working on formulating a plan to salvage its vessels, with company officials being present at the site of the incident. Barges collided with bridges and marinas, causing significant damage to properties along the riverbanks. The Branchport Boat Club and Peggy’s Harbor both suffered damage, affecting their operations for the year. The Sewickley Bridge was also struck by one of the loose barges, prompting a temporary closure for inspection, which revealed no significant damage. The American Waterways Operators trade group is awaiting the results of the investigation to gain further insight into what occurred during the incident.
Despite the chaos caused by the loose barges, there have been no reports of major damage to infrastructure, such as Army Corps locks and dams, along the Ohio River. This has been a relief to officials and residents in the area, as the situation could have been much worse. The Coast Guard and other authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of mariners and restore navigation on the river as quickly as possible. While the investigation continues into the cause of the barge breakaway, the focus remains on salvaging the missing vessel and minimizing the impact of the incident on the surrounding communities and businesses. The affected area will remain closed to maritime traffic until the situation is resolved.
