The Coast Guard reported that three vessels sunk on the Illinois River near Hardin, Illinois, Sunday, July 7. According to the coastguard’s statement, the sinking boats were holding about 4,850 gallons of diesel and oil.
Specifically, watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi River received the report on Friday, July 5, according to which three tugboats and a deck barge that were tied all together began taking water at mile marker 21 on the Illinois River.
In light of the above, in order to prevent any environmental impact and minimize the potential of environmental harm, Sector Upper Mississippi River sent personnel to collaborate with the tugboat company.
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Moreover, smaller sheen-producing quantities of unrecoverable product have been substantially contained by an aggressive booming strategy.
In addition, Coast Guard members conducted an 11-miles shoreline assessment and oversaw 1,500 feet of oil and fuel absorbing boom deployment to create a collection point to contain any discharge.
The incident is though to be a major marine casualty and is for the time being under investigation.
Capt. Scott Stoermer, commander of Sector Upper Mississippi River concluded
While ensuring responder safety is always paramount, minimizing any potential environmental impact is a clear goal of the salvage effort.
