Sunken Barge Salvage Stops Traffic on Chicago River

The U.S. Coast Guard said it is restricting vessel traffic on the Chicago River to allow for salvage of a sunken barge.

All cargo has been removed from the sunken barge in the Chicago River between the Lake and Randolph Street bridges and divers are currently in the water to conduct a survey of the barge's hull.



The barge has been secured so that a 50-foot clearance can allow for vessel traffic to transit. Once the divers complete their survey, the company intends to formulate a salvage plan to either move the barge to another location or lift it out of the water. Coast Guard assets are on scene to monitor vessel traffic while divers are in the water.

Personnel from Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Chicago have coordinated waterways management controls over the Chicago River since the barge broke free from its mooring Friday afternoon and sank in the river.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan, in Milwaukee, learned of the incident about 1:15 p.m., Friday. The barge was loaded with 750 yards of clay dirt. No injuries or pollution are reported.