Tugboat crew rescued as vessel sinks after tanker collision in Louisiana
- A collision occurred between the tugboat Patrick J. Studdert and the tanker ship Clara B, leading to the tugboat sinking.
- Five crew members from the tugboat were rescued and taken to local hospitals for evaluation, though their injuries are unclear.
- Authorities and the Coast Guard are investigating the incident, focusing on potential environmental impacts due to fuel leakage.
On December 29, 2024, in Louisiana, a tugboat collided with a tanker ship on the Mississippi River, resulting in the tug sinking near the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge. The tugboat, named Patrick J. Studdert, was struck by the ship, Clara B, at approximately 7:41 p.m. The collision caused the tug to sink in waters around 90 feet deep. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, where five crew members of the tug managed to reach shore prior to their arrival. Although they were taken to local hospitals for evaluation, the extent of their injuries remains unclear. The incident prompted an immediate response from local authorities, including the St. Charles Parish Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, which coordinated efforts with the U.S. Coast Guard, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, and various environmental contractors. At the time of the collision, the region was under a dense fog advisory, which may have contributed to the incident. An investigation is ongoing not only for the rescue and recovery efforts but also to assess any environmental damage caused by the diesel fuel that leaked from the submerged tug. The Coast Guard has committed to conducting a thorough investigation of the collision and its aftermath. This includes measuring the environmental impact of the fuel spill. Meanwhile, the Clara B, the tanker involved in the crash, will remain docked in the New Orleans area while authorities investigate the conditions leading to the accident. The Mississippi River was temporarily closed for safety reasons following the incident but has since reopened. Observational drones were enlisted to better evaluate the scene of the incident and to assist responders in developing a comprehensive cleanup plan. The collaboration between various emergency response organizations and the Coast Guard illustrates the importance of coordinated efforts in the event of maritime accidents. This incident, while successfully mitigating immediate dangers to the crew, highlights the ongoing risks associated with shipping traffic on the Mississippi River.