Ship collision shuts Mississippi River, spills fuel July 23

is that going to affect the operations of the Natchez?

Capt. Don just called me to check on my power situation and told me about the oild spill. The NATCHEZ, as well as all traffic, is shut down for several days. Of course they had a big charter tonight and dinner trips all week, in addition to the daytime trips. Two steps forward, one backward it seems in trying to get out of the Katrina financial hole. Don said he's never smelled anything so bad and that it is completely black by the NATCHEZ. Since I'm on limited battery time here, I didn't read the article, so maybe I'm repeating something. It happened above the bridges and the barge that was broken open was carrying No. 6 oil. Get ready for gas prices to shoot up too as there are 2 refineries which have to be closed till this spill is cleaned up. The water intake at Carrolton is fine, but the one in Algiers is compromised so they have only a couple days worth of drinking water, according to Don.

Channel 38, WNOL carries an interesting 6-minute helicopter report showing the Greater NO Bridges, the MQ, and the 4 tugs pushing two pieces of the barge toward the wharf.

Here is a link to the video

New Orleans' CW38 | WNOL-TV

here is a picture, showing the situation around 10:20am.

Apparently, this small tow (m/v MEL OLIVER owned by ACBL) came out of Harvey Lock into the path of the ship. I also heard the pilot aboard the towboat was not licensed....

The "no licensed pilot" situation is what is being reported on FOX radio news way out here in California (where most folks wouldn't have a clue. . . .)
I know the situation is much larger than this, but I can't help but feel very badly for the NAtchez, losing cruising time. I suppose the poor old MQ will have her hull covered in this stuff too--as well as part of her wheel (wonder if they've been rolling her--if not that part's probably rotted off anyways!)
Too early in the AM for me to be posting and making sense!
S'
David D.

I've received a little more and better info on this. The guy operating the towboat held an apprentice (mate) license; he had not completed his training as a pilot, and was supposed to be under the supervision of a licensed master. It is also my understanding now that he was not shoving out of Harvey Lock, but had departed Stone Fuel, Gretna (just above the Gretna Ferry westbank landing) and that the ship sounded the danger signal at least twice before the collision.

David,

The MQ should be on the "safe side". The towboats held the barge shortly upriver of the Crescent City Connection bridge close to Robin Street Wharf. The MQ is on the other side of the river at Perry Street Wharf.

Carmen

Check the nola.com bridgecam

NOLA.com: BridgeCAM

The barge is hanging on the bridge pier. Salvage operations have just started. I can see a crane and a twoboat with more equippment just arrived.

Carmen

Check also this video

News | Video On Demand | News for New Orleans, Louisiana | wwltv.com

For a short second in the beginning you can see the Natchez. Later on you can see the barge and catch a glimpse of the MQ on the opposite riverbank.

Carmen

Here's an article featuring the NATCHEZ and the oil spill

Oil spill halts any rolling on the river - New Orleans Local & Small Business News - NOLA.com