UPDATE: Coast Guard responds to breakaway barges on Monongahela River

PITTSBURGH — The Coast Guard oversaw the removal of two barges, Thursday, that broke away following an allision on the Monongahela River.

The salvage crews coordinating the recovery of the submerged barge will remain on scene overnight, and recovery efforts will resume early Friday morning.

A safety zone has been established by the Captain of the Port Pittsburgh and will remain in effect on the Ohio River from mile marker 0.0 to mile marker 0.2, extending 1,000 feet off the left descending bank.

The full width of the Monongahela River from mile marker 0.0 to mile marker 1.2 is closed to all traffic with the exception of salvage crews.

The sunken barge remains a hazard to navigation and the towing vessel James Garrett, which is responsible for coordinating salvage operations, will illuminate the location throughout the night.

Requests for transit through the safety zone are being evaluated by the Captain of the Port on a case-by-case basis.

At approximately 2:30 a.m., Thursday, watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley received a report that the towing vessel Marge Mcfarlin, owned and operated by Ingram Barge Company, allided with the Liberty Highway Bridge at mile marker 1.1 on the Monongahela River, while pushing 12 loaded coal barges. The allision resulted in two barges breaking away. The remaining barges are safely contained.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

For more information, contact Lt. j.g. Alyssa McDonald at (412) 644-5808, ext. 2121 between 7:30 a.m., and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. After hours, contact the Marine Safety Unit Pittsburgh duty officer at (412) 670-4288.

###

Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.