PADUCAH, Kentucky – Emergency offloading of cumene from the damaged cargo tank and void of the Kirby Barge 31300 in the vicinity of Lock and Dam 52, near Brookport, IL, is complete. Prior to the emergency offloading, Coast Guard personnel examined the transfer arrangements and detected no safety issues.
Throughout the transfer, extensive air monitoring in the vicinity of the barge was conducted by the Coast Guard, local hazardous material agencies, Kentucky and Illinois Civil Support Teams, and Kirby Inland Marine to detect any hazardous conditions. Testing results indicated very low health and safety risk to the public and personnel aboard the barge and in the vicinity of the barge.
Offloading of the remaining cargo will be performed today and is expected to be completed by late afternoon. Kirby Inland Marine and Coast Guard personnel will then inspect the damaged barge. Plans will then be made for making temporary and permanent repairs to the damaged barge.
The Coast Guard marine casualty investigation continues.
