M/V James K. Ellis; Ohio River, MM 638

Ohio River, MM 638 | 1998-Apr-01

Initial Notification: The Tug M/V JAMES K ELLIS sank along the left descending bank of the Ohio River, MM 638. The vessel hit a rock bottom and opened a 2-3 foot hole in #2 fuel tank and possibly #3 fuel tank. Worse case discharge was 15,500 gallons of diesel fuel. A six mile sheen was reported (MM 638 - 644). The sheen was breaking up. On scene weather is partly cloudy, temperatures in the mid 50's and the river current is 2.0 knots. USCG district 8.