Dredge Hurley Returns Home Following Busy Season

By Jessica Haas

Memphis Engineer District

The Memphis Engineer District’s Dredge Hurley was welcomed home after returning to its home port, Ensley Engineer Yard in Memphis Harbor, Sunday morning, November 21. The homecoming signifies the end of yet another highly productive dredging season.

The Hurley started this season May 3. In just over six months’ time, the crew dredged several hundred miles of the Lower Mississippi River.

Hurley Master Adrian Pirani said the crew dug just under 12 million cubic yards of sediment. Through dredging the lower portion of the Mississippi River every year, the Hurley helps ensure safe navigation for the commercial traffic traveling up and down the river daily.

While this team makes it look easy, this vital task does not come without challenges. As with every season, Pirani said health and safety were a top priority, especially concerning the ever-evolving coronavirus environment.

Pandemic aside, the Hurley and crew of 40 diligently traveled and dredged an impressive distance, going from Island 10 (Mile 901 on the Lower Mississippi River) to Belmont Crossing (Mile 150 on the LMR).

Districts served this season included the Memphis District, the Vicksburg District in Mississippi and the New Orleans District in Louisiana.

The Hurley will remain in Memphis over the winter for maintenance and repairs before beginning another season.