UPDATE 2: Coast Guard reopens Monongahela, Ohio River after salvage operations

PITTSBURGH — The Coast Guard reopened the Monongahela and Ohio rivers, Saturday, following the completion of salvage operations for two breakaway barges.

The Captain of the Port Pittsburgh cancelled the safety zone for the Monongahela River, from mile marker 0.0 to 1.2, and a portion of the Ohio River, from mile marker 0.0 to 0.2. Both rivers have been reopened to all vessel traffic.

A total of 10 vessels requested transit through the safety zone. All transit requests were accommodated, resulting in minimal impact to maritime commerce.

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.

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