M/V Elizabeth Beesecker; Hastings, Minnesota

Hastings, Minnesota | 1996-Nov-15

Initial Notification: On November 15, 1996, the engine of the 123-foot M/V Elizabeth Beesecker caught fire on the upper Mississippi River south of St. Paul, Minnesota. She was carrying 47,000 gallons of #2 diesel and was pushing 13 barges downriver; one was empty, the other 12 carried grain. The burning vessel was intentionally grounded for the safety of the crew and vessel, and to help control the vessel during the incident. On November 15 three of the loaded barges were removed; the remaining nine barges helped keep the tug solidly grounded. The inside of the superstructure of the towboat was almost completely burned. There were concerns that the fire could cause the vessel's fuel tanks to breakup, catch fire, and possibly release a significant amount of oil. Boom was placed around the vessel to help prevent oil from being transported downriver. Drinking water managers downriver were notified. A small oil sheen was observed in the river. USCG district 9. Keyword: sorbent boom, vacuum trucks.