Thursday, March 2, 2017

Accident at Racine (updated)


There was an accident at the Racine Locks and Dam this morning when a tow broke apart while approaching the locks from above.

This is the second high-water accident I remember at Racine in the past three years. I don't know if it's a coincidence or if there is a problem with the upper approach in high water or what. Maybe something. Maybe nothing. That's for the experts to figure out, if they feel the need to ask.

UPDATE

This just in from the Huntington District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:

(T)he barges are carrying heating oil. It'll probably be at least 24 hours before they're moved - crews want to let the river crest and drop a bit before they move them. The barges and tow are tied off now and secured to the dam.