National Transportation Safety Board Marine Accident Brief
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued Marine Accident Brief regarding the allision of the Dale A. Heller Tow with Marseilles Dam.
On April 18, 2013, about 1740 local time, the uninspected towing vessel Dale A. Heller was downbound on the Illinois River pushing a 14-barge tow and attempting to enter the Marseilles Canal, adjacent to the Marseilles Dam, when it encountered a strong cross current.
Despite the assistance of three additional towing vessels, the Dale A. Heller was unable to get the tow past the dam and into the safety of the canal. Several barges broke away, struck and damaged the dams gates, and then sank. In addition, the accident likely exacerbated rain-related flooding in the nearby city of Marseilles, Illinois. No one was injured in the allision; however, the damage to the barges and the dam totaled nearly $54 million.
Two of the barges were later determined to be a total loss. Five other barges were damaged but still operative. Damage related to the barges and the loss of their cargo totaled $3,767,000. The Marseilles Dam sustained extensive damage in the allision. Gates 2 and 3 were rendered inoperative, while gates 4, 5, and 6 were less damaged and still operative.
The total damage to the Marseilles Dam was estimated at between $40 million and $50 million. In addition, flooding in the city of Marseilles caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, and other property. Although the town may have flooded even if the allision had not occurred, the damage caused by the barge strikes likely exacerbated the flooding.
| The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the allision of the Dale A. Heller tow with the Marseilles Dam was the decision by all involved parties to proceed with the passage of the tow during a period of record-high water and significant risk. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the Marseilles Dam lockmaster and the Dale A. Heller captain to communicate effectively about the actual positioning of the dams gates before and during the transit. |
Further details may be found by reading the NTSB Marine Accident Brief
