Towing Vessel Sinks on the Tennessee River

The U.S. Coast Guard said it is responding to a sunken towing vessel near mile marker 22 on the Tennessee River, Tuesday. The two crew members on board were able to evacuate safely.

The nearby Kentucky Lock and Dam has ceased locking operations due to the incident.

The Coast Guard said its watchstanders at Sector Ohio Valley received a report at approximately 10 p.m. Monday that the inspected towing vessel Tom Bussler capsized at mile marker 15 on the Tennessee River.

Inspected towing vessel George Leavell was able to recover the two crewmembers who were on board and transferred them to Calvert City Landing where they were transported to Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Ky. in stable condition.

The sunken vessel reportedly has approximately 4,100 gallons of diesel on board. There have been no reports of oil sheening in the water. 

McGinnish Marine will develop a salvage plan for the vessel.

A Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Paducah 29-foot Response Boat-Small boatcrew is on scene.