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Tag: Tennessee

Ms Nancy C

Ms Nancy C

Ms Nancy C
Photo: uscg

On March 7, the 64 foot long towboat Ms Nancy C sank in Everett Lake (Mississippi River) near Dyersburg, Tennessee. The Ms Nancy C was preparing a tow when it sprung a leak in the stern. The crew started the pumps and determined another dewatering pump was needed. The crew went ashore to get another pump. When the crew returned, they found the Ms Nancy C had already partially sank by the stern.

The Coast Guard was alerted and booms were placed around the towboat. Reports state the Ms Nancy C had 3000 gallons of diesel fuel on board. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Ricky Robinson

Ricky Robinson

Ricky Robinson
Photo: towboatgallery.com

On December 8, the 66 foot long towboat Ricky Robinson sank on the Mississippi River off Mud Island near Memphis, Tennessee. It is unclear what caused the towboat to sink. The Coast Guard was notified and begun a search and rescue operation for the two people on board.  A search by local authorities and the Coast Guard were unable to locate the two crew.

However, authorities were able to find the Ricky Robinson which now rests on the bottom in 65 feet of water. The owners of the vessel state they will salvage the towboat. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Towboat Collision off Memphis

Towboat Collision off Memphis

William E Strait
Photo: msnewsnow.com

The 33 meter long towboat Margaret Ann and the 67 meter long towboat William E. Strait collided on the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee. The two towboats were attempting to pass each other when  they collided near the Interstate 55 bridge.  The William E. Strait sustained hull damage and water ingress and sank near the riverbank in 20 feet of water. The Coast Guard dispatched a vessel to the scene to monitor the situation. Divers and a clean-up crew arrived on scene and barriers were placed around the towboat to contain any pollution released. A sheen was reported around the William E. Strait as some fuel has been released.  No details reported on the status of the Margaret Ann.  No injuries were reported.