In Pittsburgh, river barges broke down, causing damage and blocking a bridge

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A large group of river barges broke loose and drifted down the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, damaging a marina and closing at least one bridge until boats were stranded on the riverbank or passed downstream of a dam, officials said.

Pittsburgh police, fire and emergency medical services responded to reports of “out of control” barges on the river around 11:25 p.m. Friday, Pittsburgh Public Safety said in a statement. The area was flooded after heavy rain on Thursday.

Cmdr. Justin Jolley, of the Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit in Pittsburgh, said 26 barges broke free from their moorings near the bridge, and 11 were quickly pulled to one side by another tug downstream. A further nine gathered at Emsworth Lock and Dam.

Five or six barges passed through the dam. Four were completed and stabilized just downstream of the lock and dam, and the other on the river bank. Maritime security units are searching for one missing barge, Jolly said.

No injuries were reported, and no damage to bridges or Army Corps of Engineers locks and dams was reported, Jolly said. Pittsburgh Public Safety officials reported damage to Peggy's Harbor, a marina on the river. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the McKees Rocks Bridge was closed as a precaution, but later reopened after an inspection.

Twenty-three of the barges were dry cargo, mostly coal, and at least one was loaded with fertilizer, according to the owner, Jolly. Three were empty. None of the ships contained hazardous materials, the city administration said.

The Coast Guard sent out an announcement to alert mariners of the potential danger, but the high water conditions prevented traffic on the river, Jolley said.

Barges Campbell Transportation Co. owned or managed by the company, the city statement said. Jolley said Coast Guard officials are working with the owner on a rescue plan. The Pennsylvania State Police and other agencies were also notified.

Associated Press