OLMSTED, Ill. -- UPDATE: Locking has resumed and the river has reopened to navigation traffic.
The Ohio River is currently closed to navigation at Olmsted Locks and Dam in Olmsted, Illinois, (Ohio River Mile 964.4) due to a navigation accident involving two vessels owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District.
There are no injuries, and all personnel are accounted for. Local law enforcement and responding agencies were on-scene.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:50 a.m. Central Time today, July 1, during routine fleeting activities at the site.
Currently, the USACE-owned workboat, the M/V Jackie Lee Anderson, is listing on the Illinois bank of the river. Another USACE-owned vessel, the M/V 775 workboat has capsized below the dam.
“Public safety and the safety of our dedicated personnel, remains our number one priority. We are actively assessing this situation and developing plans to secure the vessels before reopening the river to traffic. We are coordinating with salvage companies to safely retrieve the vessels,” said Brad Stout, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Chief of Locks and Dams. “We are grateful for the local responding agencies who assisted today, and we’re working hand-in-hand with the Coast Guard and our industry partners to get the river reopened to navigation as soon as possible.”
Plans are being developed for recovery of the vessels and additional inspections are ongoing.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is closely coordinating updates with the Coast Guard and towing industry.
The cause of the accident is under investigation. More information will be shared as updates become available.
For the latest information, follow the USACE Louisville District Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleUSACE.
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