Two separate incidents last week caused delays for barge tows along the Mississippi River.
Affecting grain barge traffic in both directions, the delays continued into this week.
On Wednesday, August 12, a tug being towed by another vessel sunk at upper Mississippi mile 43 near Thebes, IL.
Because of little clearance over the vessel, navigation through the area was restricted.
On Sunday, August 16, a salvage operation lifted the wreck, and operations began returning to normal.
A more minor incident occurred on Friday, August 14, at the Mel Price Lock and Dam facility near St. Louis.
A barge struck the wall of the main lock, causing a brief closure for inspection. The auxiliary lock had already been closed for planned repairs, resulting in a brief closure of traffic through the area.
The main lock reopened by the end of the day. Neither accident caused injuries.
Information provided by USDA Grain Transportation Report.
