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Barge Collision, Lower Mississippi River, Angola, LA

Angola, LA, USA | 2023-Jan-09

Initial Notification: On January 9, 2023, the USCG Sector Lower MS (SLMR) contacted the NOAA SSC regarding a head-on collision between two towing vessels in the vicinity of mile marker 311 on MS River (near Angola, LA). The cause of the collision was reported as miscommunication of passing arrangements between the vessel ITV CAROL MCMANUS, pushing a total of 42 barges, and the ITV BIG D, pushing a total of 19 barges( 16 Dry cargo & 03 with ethanol. One of the ethanol barges suffered a 12 X 6-inch puncture above the waterline on the port bow corner. No reports of pollution or injuries, but estimated maximum worst case discharge (WCD) of 13,000 gallons of ethanol based upon location of damage. The USCG requested a fate and effects analysis and hazard assessment for the worst-case discharge.

Incident Details
Primary threat:Chemical
Products of concern:ethanol
Total amount at risk of spill: 13000 gallons
Latitude (approximate): 31° 2.72′ North
Longitude (approximate): 91° 33.72′ West
On-Water Recovery: Evaluated but not used
Shoreline Cleanup: Unknown/Not applicable
Dispersants: Unknown/Not applicable
In-Situ Burn: Unknown/Not applicable
Bioremediation: Unknown/Not applicable