CINDY R

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Tug sank on the Intracoastal Waterway

The "Cindy R" sank on the Intracoastal Waterway near Lafitte, Louisiana, on May 2, 2019. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans watchstanders received a notification at 6:45 a.m. of the tug which was pushing six barges, that it was sinking with three crewmembers aboard at mile marker 8, west of the Harvey Lock. The vessel was pushing five empty and one scrap loaded barge with the crew attempting to unface from the tow and tie the barges off for a crew change. When the vessel unfaced from the tow, it abruptly listed to one side and began taking on water. In 40 seconds, it was on its side. The Four Rivers tug "Elin Gertrude" was about 1,000 feet away from the "Cindy R" when it began to heel to starboard side. The crew launched their skiff and went to the aid of the four crew members aboard the "Cindy R." who were gathering at the vessel’s bulwarks. There were no reported injuries. The "Elin Gertrude" also picked up the "Cindy R"’s barges. The sunken tug has approximately 3,000 gallons of diesel aboard. OMI has deployed absorbent boom around the "Cindy R" to mitigate the spread of oil. A crane and barge were en route to commence salvage operations. The waterway remained open to marine traffic at a slow speed. The cause of the incident was under investigation. Report with photos: https://www.waterwaysjournal.net/2019/05/03/towboat-sinks-in-giww/