About 0015 central standard time on April 26, 1984, a tow consisting of 12 barges laden with grain was being pushed ahead by the U.S. towboat ERIN MARIE when it collided with a pier of the Poplar Street Bridge, which crosses the Upper Mississippi River between St. Louis, Missouri, and East St. Louis, Illinois. The barges which had broken free from the tow floated down river, striking a fleet of 23 barges, breaking them from their mooring, and causing them to float free down river. The barges in turn struck other fleeted barges and shoreside facilities. More than 150 barges and vessels were broken free of their moorings and cast adrift in the river. The total damage to barges, cargo, fleeting areas, and barge loading facilities was estimated at $3,000,000. There were no injuries to persons.
Marine Accident Report - Ramming of the Poplar Street Bridge by the Towboat M/V ERIN MARIE and Its Twelve-Barge Tow, St. Louis, Missouri, April 26, 1984
1985
40 pages
Report
No indication
English
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