Queen City Tow contact Vane Dike

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released an investigation report into an incident in which the tugboat Queen City was traveling downstream on the Ohio River during high water on March 28, 2023, pushing a train of eleven barges when it struck and broke apart the Vane Dike at the destination of the McAlpine Locks and Dam in Louisville, Kentucky.

analysis

ÖOn March 28, 2023, at approximately 2:24 a.m. local time, the tug Queen City was traveling on the Ohio River during high water, pushing a tow of 11 barges, when the barge struck the Vane Dike at the destination of the McAlpine Locks and Dam in Louisville, Kentucky and broke apart. No pollution or injuries were reported. Total damage to the barges and cargo was estimated at $1.98 million.

background

Built in 1974 and owned by C&B Marine Equipment, LLC, the Queen City was a 103-foot steel-hulled tugboat. The vessel had
two rudders and four rudders, and two 1,500-horsepower diesel engines, each driving a propeller. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates the McAlpine Locks and Dam. The dam’s five upper and four lower gates are 22 feet high and 100 feet wide. The Vane Dike is located in a bend in the river just off the east end of the entrance to Portland Channel leading to the McAlpine Locks. The 200-yard by 10-yard dike extends east from the end of Shippingport Island, the northern land boundary of Portland Channel. A mooring cell is located at the end of the dike. The U.S. Coast Guard Lifesaver Memorial Light is located atop the cell.

The Queen City was not damaged. Nine barges were damaged, with an estimated cost of $1.475 million. In addition, cargo (corn) valued at about $500,000 was lost.

River conditions

At the time of the accident, the upper gauge at the McAlpine Locks measured a river level of 17.5 feet and the lower gauge measured a water flow of over
400,000 cubic feet per second. These measurements were almost the highest compared to the readings recorded in the last 12 months. Waterway users estimate flow speed based on the amount of water moving at a given time. In general, increased water flow at any point on a river is associated with faster flow.

Conclusions

Probable cause

The National Transportation Safety Board concludes that the probable cause of the Queen City tugboat’s collision with the Vane Dike was that the pilot did not adequately compensate for the strong downwash while navigating toward the lock channel entrance during a period of high current flow.

lessons learned

Preparing for dam discharges

High currents resulting from flooding pose particular risks for ships navigating inland rivers. In addition, large dam openings near dams can cause flooding
Conditions result in high current velocities that may cause runoff near the dam. Mariners should carefully consider the potential impact of runoff when entering or exiting lock channels. Vessel performance and vessel handling should be carefully considered. Mariners should also consult available resources such as waterway action plans and company policies when planning passages.