Five crewmembers were rescued from the Mississippi River after their vessel collided with a bulker on 29 December.
The U.S. Coast Guard responded to a collision between the tugboat Patrick J. Studdert and the Liberian-flagged bulker Clara B on 29 December. As reported, five crewmembers were rescued from the Mississippi River after the collision and the crew was taken to a local hospital by first responders. The tugboat sank in a 90-foot deep section of the river near Luling, Louisiana.
Local responders quickly rescued the crew and by the time the U.S. Coast Guard arrived on the scene, the crew had already been removed from the river. As reported, the bulker was heading north toward Baton Rouge. Furthermore, the river was closed for about three hours but has since reopened to traffic. The Coast Guard is collaborating with state and local authorities.
A small oil release was reported, and the towboat operator is working on a salvage plan.
