Towboat Strikes Lapalco Bridge in Harvey, La.

Posted in Barge Accidents,Louisiana Maritime News,Tug Boat Accidents,US Coast Guard (USCG) on October 29, 2013

HARVEY, La. — According to the U.S. Coast Guard, a towboat pushing barges on Friday, Oct. 25, struck the span of the Lapalco Bridge in Harvey, Louisiana resulting in minor damage to the bridge’s catwalk. Harvey is located about 7 miles south of New Orleans.

Photo shows Lapalco Bridge over the Harvey Canal that was struck by a towboat on Friday night , October 25, 2013. Photo Credit: NOLA.com The Times-Picayune

The accident happened on October 25 at about 11 p.m Friday night after a towboat traveling westbound pushing two crane and deck barges through the Harvey Canal, hit the bridge.

Coast Guard spokesman Carlos Vega told the media that a deckhand was at the helm of the Razorback with no licensed captain aboard at the time of the collision. The Razorback is owned by Specialty Marine Services.

There were no injuries reported at the time of the accident.

The incident remains under investigation at this time.

Blog post by Louisiana maritime lawyer, Gordon, Elias & Seely.