PADUCAH, Ky. — The Coast Guard is enforcing a safety zone on a portion of the Tennessee River after a section of the Eggner Ferry Bridge collapsed following an allision with a vessel, Friday.
Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley watchstanders received the initial report at approximately 8 p.m., Central time, Thursday, that the cargo ship, Delta Mariner, had allided with the auxiliary channel span of the Eggner Ferry Bridge.
The Coast Guard Captain of the Port Ohio Valley has established a safety zone from mile marker 41 to mile marker 43 on either side of the bridge until it has been deemed safe to transit.
“The Coast Guard is investigating the accident to determine the cause and is working closely with local and state agencies on scene,” said Cmdr. Claudia Gelzer, commanding officer of Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Paducah. “It’s extremely fortunate that no one was hurt in the collapse. Our priority now is to ensure continued safety on the waterway and oversee the safe salvage of the cargo ship.”
The Coast Guard is coordinating with the Army Corps of Engineers, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the National Transportation Safety Board.
There are no reported injuries or pollution at this time.
The incident is under investigation.
