Office of External Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Date: May. 02, 2008

Contact:  Lt. j.g. Christian Barger
(314) 269-2573

UPDATE: COAST GUARD RESPONDS TO BARGE BREAKAWAY

ST. LOUIS - The Coast Guard continues to work with Matteson Marine and railroad representatives to safely coordinate recovery efforts of a loaded grain barge, which became lodged on the foot of a bridge on the Mississippi River near Burlington, Iowa, today.

The barge currently remains lodged against the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Bridge at mile marker 403 on the Upper Mississippi River.

The barge was one of five that broke free yesterday morning from the Matteson Marine facility in Burlington, Iowa. The other four barges were quickly recovered. 

An initial attempt to pull the barge off of the bridge failed due to strong river currents and the weight of the loaded barge. The barge is now being offloaded in place to reduce its overall weight.

The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the incident.

***Media Note: Photos are available.***

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U.S. Coast Guard - Saving lives since 1790