On Sunday evening, a collision occurred between the tugboat Patrick J. Studdert and the Liberian bulk carrier Clara B on the Mississippi River near the Hale Boggs Bridge in Louisiana. The incident happened around 7:41 p.m. near mile marker 123, leading to the tugboat sinking in a section of the river approximately 90 feet deep. The U.S. Coast Guard reported the event and initiated rescue and recovery efforts. The tugboat’s sinking prompted an immediate response from local authorities and federal agencies.
Five individuals aboard the tugboat managed to make it to shore before rescuers arrived. These individuals were transported to local hospitals, though the extent of any injuries remains unclear. Their identities have not been disclosed. Local news outlets, such as WDSU, covered the incident, emphasizing the swift evacuation of the crew from the sinking vessel.
Tugboat Sinks After Collision with Bulk Carrier on Mississippi River, Prompting Rescue Efforts
A coordinated response is underway involving the St. Charles Parish Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other agencies. Cleanup and surveillance contractors hired by the vessel owner are addressing the situation, particularly focusing on environmental concerns. Officials are working to contain and mitigate the diesel fuel spill caused by the tugboat’s sinking, while preparing a thorough investigation into the incident.
Environmental impacts remain a key concern as diesel fuel leakage from the sunken tugboat threatens the Mississippi River’s ecosystem. While the exact volume of the spill is unknown, officials are employing drones and other tools to assess the extent of the damage and develop an effective response plan. The Clara B, the ship involved in the collision, will remain docked in the New Orleans area while the U.S. Coast Guard continues its investigation.
The collision temporarily closed a section of the Mississippi River, which has since reopened. Weather conditions, including a dense fog advisory issued by the National Weather Service at the time of the incident, may have contributed to the crash. As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on determining the cause of the collision, the scale of the fuel spill, and the necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
