High Water Delays Recovery Of Sunken Barges In Louisville Harbor

A barge that was among five that sank near McAlpine Locks and Dam March 8 after breaking away from a tow remains pinned against the gate bay at Ohio River Mile 606.8.

A second barge that flushed through is completely submerged downstream of the lower dam site.

River Salvage Company completed transloading and temporary repairs to a third barge sunken at the site of a railroad bridge on March 15, said Abby Korfhage, public affairs specialist for the Louisville Engineer District. However, the company has been unable to work the past few days because the McAlpine upper gauge remains above 15 feet, above the elevation of the fixed weir, causing concerns with the water current near the sunken barges.

Two barges that had been partially sunken near the Indiana shoreline at the tip of Shippingport Island were recovered.

Ten coal barges broke away from the upbound tow of the mv. Amber Brittany originally, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Eight initially came to rest on the Louisville & Indiana (L&I) Railroad bridge, with one of those sinking near the bridge.

The Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.