Barge 565; Chesapeake Bay, Virginia and Maryland

Chesapeake Bay, Virginia and Maryland | 1988-Aug-24

Initial Notification: On August 24, 1988, the Barge 565 suffered a tank fracture while en route to Richmond, Virginia with its cargo of used fuel oil. A passing ship radioed the tow tug that the barge appeared to be sagging in the middle. Personnel on the tug reportedly smelled oil and believed that the barge was leaking. The barge was still underway at two knots when the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office (MSO), Hampton Roads, was notified around 0800. USCG district 5.