Barge Apex 3512; Norco, Louisiana

Norco, Louisiana | 1995-Oct-11

Initial Notification: On October 11, 1995, the tow of the M/V Sondra B collided with the tow of the M/V Theresa F near Mississippi River Mile Marker (MM) 126. Sondra B was pushing five tank barges containing .5 API oil; Theresa F was pushing one empty ocean-going, bulk-solid barge. After the collision, the Theresa F pushed up on the right descending bank and the Sondra B pushed up on the left descending bank at MM 125 to evaluate damage. Extensive damage was sustained by the empty bulk-solid barge and one of the tank barges, Apex 3512. Apex 3512 discharged approximately 4,600 barrels of slurry oil from the forward tank. At the time of the collision the weather was clear and the current in the channel was approximately two knots. During preliminary surveys on October 11 and 12, large pockets of oil were found where the barge was pushed against the bank. The currents in this area are slight and the bottom topography levels out after a 45-degree, 35-foot slope from the bank. Sheening was seen over the area. The area was marked with buoys by representatives of the RP and the State of Louisiana. USCG district 8. Keyword: sorbents.