A February 22 barge accident involving two tugboats caused an oil spill that forced authorities to close a 65-mile stretch of the Mississippi River. According to KRIS NBC 6 News, as of February 23, the closure had left 26 vessels waiting to pass through the area.

“Authorities involved in the cleanup and investigation planned a Monday morning conference call as they worked on estimates of how much oil spilled and when the river would re-open,” stated Coast Guard spokesperson Petty Officer Bill Colclough.

The accident happened in the afternoon near Vacherie, which is about 47 miles west of New Orleans. There was a collision involving a tugboat pushing the barge that spilled the crude oil and another tugboat pushing grain barges. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident.

The river was closed to avoid contaminating passing vessels and prevent the oil from spreading downriver. In addition, nearby St. Charles Parish’s public water intakes from the river were closed as a precautionary measure.

Nationwide Maritime Attorneys Provide Representation for Tug and Barge Accident Victims

Maritime accidents are typically governed by maritime law, which, as nationwide maritime trial lawyer David Anderson explains in the video above, falls under federal law. Due to that fact, our Boston maritime attorneys are able to handle a maritime case, such as a barge and tugboat accident, whether it happens off the coast of Massachusetts or along a stretch of the Mississippi River in Louisiana.

For more information about maritime law and tug and barge accidents or to discuss your situation with a qualified attorney, call our office today to schedule a free consultation.

Latti & Anderson’s Little Extra: According to DoSomething.org, even though the well that caused the BP oil spill was capped in 2010, oil is still washing up on shore.

Latti & Anderson LLP – Nationwide Maritime Attorneys

Source:  http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-bp-oil-spill