Office of External Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Date: Jan. 29, 2008

Contact:  Lt. Robert Bilbo

(337) 491-7800

COAST GUARD ASSISTS TUG PARTIALLY SUNK IN GULF INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY

Lake Charles , La - The Coast Guard responded to a report at 8:45 a.m. Monday, January 28, of a tug with 4 persons on board taking on water at mile marker 237 on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GICW).

The tug ACCU IV was traveling westbound on the GICW pushing ahead 6 barges when it reported taking on water in its engine room and kitchen space directly east of the Calcasieu Locks. A passing tug, the SARAH D, safely evacuated the crew members off of the tug.  A Coast Guard small boat was dispatched to monitor compliance with a broadcast notice to mariners directing vessel traffic passing by the site of the ACCU IV to proceed at a slow pace. 

Additionally, pollution investigators were sent to the scene as the ACCU IV partially sank in the water emitting a small amount of diesel onto the surface.  The tug carries approximately 4,000 gallons of diesel in its fuel tanks.

A local oil cleanup company, Oil Mop Incorporated, was contracted by the tug's owners to provide on scene containment and clean up for any potential pollution that may occur.  The tug's owners and a dive salvage master will develop and submit to the Coast Guard for approval a plan to raise the tug.

The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of this incident.  For more information on this event, please contact LT Robert Bilbo with the U.S. Coast Guard's Marine Safety Unit Lake Charles at 337-491-7800.

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U.S. Coast Guard - Saving lives since 1790