Tanker Collision Sends Barges Adrift on Mississippi River

On April 27, the tanker Isla De Bioko collided with a group of barges being towed by the towboat Ginny Rose, resulting in one barge sinking and six others breaking loose. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The incident occurred around 9:20 PM downstream of St. Rose, Louisiana, on the Mississippi River. The Isla De Bioko, a Panamanian-flagged product tanker, struck one of the Ginny Rose’s barges, which was transporting urea. The impact caused that barge to sink and released six others into the river.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, river conditions at the time were particularly harsh, contributing to the accident. Upon being notified, the Coast Guard swiftly launched a response. Local tugboats assisted in rounding up four of the drifting barges, while the remaining two became entangled in the mooring chains of the vessels Red Fin and Bulker Bee 30.

As a safety measure, the Coast Guard temporarily closed the affected river section to evaluate navigational risks due to the submerged barge. By April 28, following an assessment confirming that the sunken barge's position allowed for safe passage, and with all barges accounted for, the river channel was reopened with some restrictions still in place.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, and salvage operations for the sunken barge are currently being planned.