On Tuesday, three barges, including one carrying about 1,400 tons of methanol, became stuck against a dam on the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky. These three barges were among a group of ten that had broken free from their tugboat around 2 a.m. after colliding with a structure at the entrance to the Portland Canal near the McAlpine Locks and Dam. According to Louisville’s Emergency Management Agency, one barge remained attached and all except for the one carrying methanol were transporting soy and corn.
The agency stated that there is currently no evidence of any leaks or tank breaches and that air and water monitoring resources are in place. Coast Guard spokesperson Chris Davis said that officials have limited traffic on the river as state and federal agencies respond and attempt to remove the three barges. Downriver traffic has been halted and nearby locks that had reopened after earlier closings will likely close again overnight as officials reassess the situation.
Image credits: https://twitter.com/KentuckyEEC/
