Sunken towboat lifted from Neches River
August 28th, 2015
Response crews work from a spud barge to conduct salvage and recover operations for the towing vessel Louise on the Neches River. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Scott Ledee)
PORT ARTHUR, Texas — A towboat that sank in the Neches River Aug. 21, and caused a temporary closure of the waterway, was successfully lifted out of the water Wednesday Evening.
T&T Marine, a contractor hired by the towboat company, refloated and towed the towboat Louise to Bolivar Barge Cleaning Service. The vessel was dry-docked and is awaiting inspection and potential repairs.
A small amount of residual oil on the water was removed by oil spill responders using oil spill containment and absorbent booms.
The Coast Guard fully re-opened the waterway without restrictions.
Coast Guard personnel continue to investigate the incident.