Barges Slam Bridge Again

The Vicksburg Post published the two Ergon work boats, at LeTourneau Landing yesterday morning, heading out to recover loose barges. The high waters and swift currents forced the barges to slammed into Pier 4 of the U.S. 80 bridge, the second accident in less than a week. Twenty-five barges were being pushed south by the Ray A. Extine when the accident occurred around 11:59 Monday night, scattering the load and sinking one barge, believed near the one that sank last week. There were no injuries. Ergon Marine received the call alerting it to the accident, and crews immediately began work to round up the loose barges. "They went in all different direction," said Albert Smith, Ergon Marine fleet manager. "We chased some barges down as far as 4 miles south of LeTourneau." LeTourneau is about 10 miles south of the Interstate 20 and U.S. 80 bridges. By 6 a.m., Ergon had all 24 loose barges rounded up, and was hampered by high waters, rain and fog. This happens occasionally when a barge hits the bridge and Pier 4 has had scars from numerous hits. Vicksburg is located in a curve of the Mississippi River and after the boat pilot gets beyond the curve you have the bridges looking at you going down the river. That is a feat in itself just to do those two things. You have to respect the river. That's why they call it the Mighty Mississippi River!