Barge CTCO-211; Darrow, Louisiana

Darrow, Louisiana | 1998-Jun-27

Initial Notification: A spill of Louisiana crude occurred from the tank barge CTCO-211 when she was holed in the #3 port tank in a collision with a raft of grain barges at 0245, June 17, 1998. The barge, owned by Cenac Towing Co., had a capacity of 11,000 barrels. It was estimated (by sounding) that approximately 1904 barrels of Louisiana Light (API 41) was discharged into the Mississippi River at MM 179. The barge was beached on the right descending bank. For the next several days, salvors attempted to stabilize the barge, assess the extent of damage, and limit residual release. There was great concern that the CTCO-211 may suddenly shift and damage the fully loaded barge that was grounded alongside her. Oil from this release was seen as far down river as New Orleans. Extensive surveys were made to check for oil migrating to the marshes at the mouth of the river, but no oil was detected. USCG district 8. Keyword: none.