Barges break free on Ohio River

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Coast Guard officials say two empty barges broke loose from a tug boat and struck another barge hauling petroleum down a western Pennsylvania river, but no leaks were reported.

Petty Officer Angela Thrasher, a Coast Guard spokeswoman, said the barges broke free shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday on the Ohio River in Pittsburgh.

She says two of the barges were recovered quickly, and the third vessel ran aground under a bridge and was then brought under control.

Thrasher told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that the two empty barges may also have struck a moored vessel loaded with anhydrous ammonia, a fertilizer and refrigerant, but that is unclear because there is no evidence of damage.

No chemical or fuel leaks have been reported.