Topic starter
31/03/2011 3:29 pm
I am starting a new thread as the previous one was getting quite long.
Thanks to my good friend, Tom Waller of Baton Rouge, here are three good photos of MQ at the Morley Bridge. The CROSBY ENTERPRISE is an ocean going tug of about 7,000 hp., with a 13.5 foot light draft, too much for the GIWW. The tow was turned over to the TIGER PRIDE at the Port Allen Lock forebay. Tom has a houseboat and has done extensive cruising in this area. The MQ is too wide for Borrel Sorrel Lock. There is a cut off just before the lock into the old river channel, which Tom says has silted and is narrow with trees on both banks. He noticed the MQ was only drawing 6 feet and this is apparently how it will get around the lock. Tom did not see how they could keep the MQ from hitting the trees and knocking out windows on each side. Tom has given me permission to post these to this group. Naturally, I had to downsize them to fit the site parameters. If anybody wants hi rez images, let me know but they cannot be used for any commercial use without Tom's permission.
Dan Owen [email protected]
31/03/2011 3:47 pm
MQ path
Thanks for the photos and info Dan. This certainly shows the finality of the situation. I notice the big red and yellow lettering is still on her port side, which was on the canal side at the Ingram dock. So they must have just removed the starboard side name because it was accessible from land. Also, as far as the trees knocking out windows, I don't think that will be much of a problem as they're all gone on the Main Deck, which is the widest.
31/03/2011 8:38 pm
I can tell you she will knock those trees down. It will look like a big railroad tree trimmer has been through there. This is known as the "Landside Route" and it is not really maintained, but is navigable. It's been over 25 years sine I was through there with 2 195x35 barges, and it was tight then. Much worse now, I know.
31/03/2011 9:27 pm
Treelined route
I guess that will be one final mark she'll leave on the Inland Waterways. I wonder if she's at Morgan City or wherever the deed is to be done yet?
01/04/2011 6:09 pm
Telegraph down...
It looks like our sternline telegraph has gone down temporarily. We must not have any readers in the Morgan City area. I had emailed both the MC newspaper and TV station asking for info, but of course got no reply. I've put out an email to Capt. Joy Manthey, who works for Kirby and is often over in Texas, but she's the only one I can think of who might be in the MC area. Anyone else got contacts over there?
02/04/2011 1:41 am
Sternline telly back in operation. The Miss Q is tied off at the Argosy Boat Co. facility at Belle River. That is where supposedly she will be cut up. Belle River is North of Morgan City. Argosy Boats address is a Pierre Part, LA. All of this from a reliable source.
02/04/2011 5:02 am
MQ located
Thanks, Capt. Bill! I imagine you've been pretty busy with the Ohio River knocking at your door, hope it didn't get in your place!
02/04/2011 1:55 pm
Argosy Boat Co.
Here is the Argosy Boat Co. yard on Belle River north of Morgan City.
Argosy Boat Company LLC - Pierre Part, LA - Business Services in Pierre Part, Louisiana
Go to the satellite image and zoom in. Of course this is not a current photo, but it gives you the idea of the place, which is located right along highway 70, should anyone be in the area, hint hint.