Tank Barge IB 960; Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge, Louisiana | 1997-Mar-17

Initial Notification: On March 17, 1997, MSO New Orleans received a report from the Louisiana State Police that a 25-barge tow broke away from the tug F.R. Bigelow and struck the Highway 190 bridge over the Mississippi River near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The barge of concern, tank barge IB 960, overturned and spilled a portion of its cargo, 9,528 barrels of pyrolysis gasoline, which can contain 20 to 70 percent benzene. The barge was located 800 feet south of the Highway 190 bridge. The barge was held along the river bank by a tug until the remaining cargo was lightered on March 24. The amount spilled was estimated at 61,400 gallons; none was recovered. USCG district 8. Keyword: endangered species, Naval Superintendent of Shipbuilding (NAVSUPSHIP).