Coast Guard Reopens Ohio River for Restricted Movements

The Coast Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers and Tennessee Valley Towing Company, the responsible party, are continuing their response to a tug and barge accident on the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky, Thursday.

The Coast Guard reopened the Ohio River to all vessel traffic from Twelve Mile Island to McAlpine Lock and Dam.

Traffic movement is currently only permitted during daylight hours and with an assist vessel, which is available pre-stationed at McAlpine Lock and Dam.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley received a report at approximately 8:10 p.m., Tuesday, that the towing vessel Debbie Graham, which was pushing 15 loaded coal barges, made contact with the 2nd Street Bridge on the Ohio River.

The contact caused the vessel’s 15 barges to break free.

Six barges have been recovered.

The Army Corps of Engineers reported nine barges are lying on the dam just above the falls and three have capsized.

The Coast Guard is working with the Army Corps of Engineers and the responsible party to plan and direct response efforts using a variety of resources.

The cause of the incident is still under investigation.