A towboat sunk in the Mississippi River in Iowa on November 25 after hitting an unknown submerged object. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, no serious injuries were reported from the incident, but the boat was carrying 100,000 gallons of diesel fuel and oil that is now leaking into the river. Nine crewmembers escaped from the boat as it sank, all with non-life threatening injuries. The smell of diesel fuel is strong near the site where the boat sunk, but the air is safe to breathe in the area, according to the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are all working on assessing the leak into the river. According to officials, their best guess is that there are hundreds of gallons as opposed to thousands of gallons of diesel and oil in the water at this time. The towboat is currently sunk in about 14 feet of water and pushed against the riverbank. Officials are working to pull the boat up and determine exactly what it hit that caused it to sink.

Towboat accidents can seriously injure crewmembers on board and the nine that escaped from this accident are lucky to be unharmed. Towboat and tugboat accidents are typically preventable and are often caused by negligent operating or not adhering to safety regulations. If you have been injured while working on a towboat, a maritime attorney can help you determine if you are eligible for compensation under the Jones Act.

Looking for an Attorney That Handles Maritime Law?

The nationwide maritime attorneys at Latti & Anderson have been representing those injured on land and at sea for more than 50 years. We understand the devastating toll an accident at sea can take on victims both financially and physically. You do not have to suffer through your injuries alone. We can help get the compensation you deserve. Call our office today or contact us on our website for a free consultation.

Latti & Anderson’s Little Extra: According to the National Transportation Safety Board, less than 30 towboat accidents have occurred in the last decade.

Latti & Anderson LLP– Nationwide maritime attorneys

Source:  https://www.nola.com