Pilot overcompensating for river crosscurrents caused bridge strike in Fort Madison, Iowa

Anticipating a strong cross-current that never materialised, an experienced tow pilot deviated from the sailing line on the Mississippi River and struck components of the Fort Madison Bridge near Fort Madison, Iowa, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said on Tuesday, July 29.

The towing vessel Joe B. Wyatt was pushing 13 loaded hopper barges and two empty tank barges downriver on May 9, 2024, when the tow struck the bridge’s protection cell and fendering system and broke apart.

No injuries or pollution were reported. Damage to the protection cell, fendering system, barges and Joe B. Wyatt was estimated at US$3.28 million.