Maritime Accident News

Barge Smashes into Levee, Barely Avoiding Steamboat in New Orleans

On June 21, 2011 at 8 a.m., a massive tragedy nearly unfolded on the New Orleans riverfront. WLTV New Orleans reported that a tow boat training several barges failed to make a turn at a bend in the Mississippi River and smashed into some rocks near the Governor Nicholls Street wharf, barely missing many nearby vessels. Initial reports from the Coast Guard suggested that it was unclear whether the tow vessel, named Limestone Lady, lost power or if bad weather (20 plus mile per hour winds) was a factor.

Thanks to the fast action of the Limestone Lady's driver, the craft avoided both the populated dock and a large steamboat stationed nearby - Steamboat Natchez. The Limestone Lady's crash could have been more severe in slightly different circumstances. For instance, had the Lady smashed into the Steamboat Natchez, the accident could have led to multiple fatalities, millions of dollars in damage, and national headlines.

This story illustrates how many "close calls" actually occur-near misses that, but for a small stroke of luck or adept thinking, could have led to catastrophic, life-changing Mississippi offshore injury accidents.

The case also illustrates how many different factors can be at play in dynamic river and water accidents. These factors include weather, the actions of crew and personnel, the actions of traffic controllers on land, engineering and safety features, and plain old luck.

If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a Mississippi offshore accident, contact the team at Vujasinovic & Beckcom to understand your rights as a victim. Call right now to set up a consultation at 877-724-7800. Also, be sure to pick up three free e-books from our website, which answer frequently asked questions about maritime injuries and victim's rights.

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