Pittsburgh officials say a large group of riverboats broke loose and drifted down the Ohio River, damaging a marina and causing bridge closures before the boats were tied to the riverbank or passed over a dam downstream.
PITTSBURGH– A large group of riverboats broke loose and drifted down the Ohio River in Pittsburgh late Friday, damaging a marina and causing bridge closures before the boats were tied to the riverbank or passed over a dam downstream, officials said.
Pittsburgh police, fire and emergency medical services responded around 11:25 p.m. to reports that the vessels were drifting “uncontrollably” along the river, Pittsburgh Public Safety said in a statement.
There were no reports of injuries after the 26 ships broke free, including 23 loaded with dried cargo including coal. According to the municipality, there were no hazardous substances on board the ships.
Peggy’s Harbor, a marina on the river, suffered extensive damage.
The city said 11 ships were held against the riverbank and secured by a tugboat at Brunot Island, while 14 ships continued down the river and six went over Emsworth Dam.
The West End Bridge was closed in both directions and rail service on the Brunot Island Bridge was closed, both of which the city said were temporary measures.
The McKees Rocks Bridge was closed “out of an abundance of caution,” McKees Rocks police said in a social media post.
The vessels were owned or operated by Campbell Transportation Company, the city’s statement said.
The Coast Guard, Pennsylvania State Police and other agencies were alerted.