Vicksburg bridge strike causes 11-barge breakaway

(VICKSBURG, Miss.) — A towboat pushing 14 barges struck the Old Highway 80 Bridge in Vicksburg on Tuesday, resulting in 11 barges breaking free, The Vicksburg Post reported. Graestone Express, owned by Graestone Logistics of Murray, Ky., hit the bridge at about 1500 hours. A block of eight barges and a separate group of three broke loose, with the towboat remaining attached to the other three barges. U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Erik Brehaut said the 11 barges were corralled and pushed to the left riverbank by 1630.

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By Professional Mariner Staff