On March 19, a video surfaced showing a cargo ship colliding with a tugboat and in the process nearly crushing it.
What happened?
The recorded video showed the incident occurring near Laplace while navigating through the Mississipi river, during the current high-water event.
River swells
The Mississippi river is currently in swell and is expected to crest near New Orleans for nearly a month.
On March 8, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began diverting part of the swollen river through the Bonnet Carre Spillway to Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne to reduce pressure on levees from New Orleans south. Since then, the river has been hovering near flood stage in New Orleans.
Increase in river accidents
The high water and swift current has caused an increase in river accidents. On March 12, two crew members died after a tugboat capsized and sank near Algiers.
Another incident
On March 18, a tugboat capsized near Donaldsonville and the sunken vessel has been. The crew members were lucky to escape alive.
However, none were injured in Sunday’s accident in Reserve or Monday’s collision near Laplace.
Investigation launched
An investigation has been launched into the accidents and the Coast Guard is on high alert as the Mississippi continues to crest.
The river level is estimated to drop by the end of March.
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Source: WDSU
