An integrated towing vessel pushing 30 empty barges on the Mississippi River in New Orleans made contact with a seawall near the Audubon Aquarium on April 20 after drifting off course in gusty winds, according to the U.S. Coast Guard and local officials.
The incident occurred around 3 p.m., when wind conditions caused the tow to deviate from its intended track and move toward the riverbank. Coast Guard spokesperson Petty Officer Cheyenne Basurto said the vessel was attempting to return to its course at approximately 4:30 p.m.
No injuries were reported, with no reports of pollution, and the waterway remained open to traffic.
Officials with the Port of New Orleans told WDSU that harbor police responded to the scene and conducted an assessment, noting that any damage appeared to be minimal. Two assisting tugboats helped reposition the barges and stabilize the tow following the incident.
Additional details were not immediately available. WorkBoat has reached out to the Coast Guard Station New Orleans for further information on which vessels were involved and which assets took minimal damage.
