Coast Guard responds to sunken vessel on Tennessee River

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 01/08/2019 01:08 PM EST

united states coast guard

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Heartland
Contact: 8th District Public Affairs
Office: (504) 671-2020
After Hours: (618) 225-9008
Eighth District online newsroom

Coast Guard responds to sunken vessel on Tennessee River

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard is responding to a sunken towing vessel near the Kentucky Lock and Dam on the Tennessee River, Tuesday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley received a report at approximately 10 p.m. Monday that the inspected towing vessel Tom Bussler capsized at mile marker 15 on the Tennessee River. 

The inspected towing vessel George Leavell recovered the two crewmembers who were on board and transferred them to Calvert City Landing where they were transported to Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky in stable condition.

The Tom Bussler has approximately 4,100 gallons of diesel on board. There have been no reports of oil sheening in the water.

A Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Paducah 29-foot Response Boat-Small boatcrew is on scene.

The Kentucky Lock and Dam at mile marker 22 on the Tennessee River has ceased locking operations due to the sunken vessel. McGinnish Marine will develop a salvage plan for the vessel.

 

-USCG-