Coast Guard personnel responded to calls that a barge had grounded and partially submerged in nine feet of water while traveling across the Beaufort Sea. The barge was reportedly carrying more than 1,200 gallons of fuel. Initially, there were reports of sheen from the vessel, but the crew secured all fuel tanks and that sheen dispersed and is no longer visible. Response crews have encircled the grounded barge with containment boom to gather any sudden release of fuel as a precautionary measure.
Fortunately, the crew on board has been safely recovered and no personal injuries have been reported. The lawyers at Beard Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC have handled a number of cases that deal with barge groundings and sinkings, other accidents that can occur on these boats, and the subsequent personal injuries the crew members have sustained. If you have a question about this article or any maritime injury, please call one of the lawyers at Beard Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC.