Barge Collides with Bridge in Galveston, Texas, Causing Oil Spill

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Written By Blue & Gold NLR Team

 

 

In Galveston, Texas, there was a concerning incident involving a barge colliding with a bridge pillar. This collision led to an oil spill in the nearby waters and resulted in the closure of the only road connecting to a nearby island. Luckily, no injuries were reported.

The impact of the collision caused parts of the bridge connecting Galveston to Pelican Island to collapse onto the barge. As a result, a section of the waterway had to be shut down for cleanup efforts.

Although one person was knocked off the vessel into the water, they were promptly rescued and suffered no injuries, according to Galveston County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Ray Nolen.

While the ports along the Texas coast play a crucial role in international trade, experts believe that this incident is unlikely to have a significant economic impact.

This is because the collision occurred in a lesser-used waterway. Additionally, Pelican Island, where the incident took place, is not a major tourist destination compared to the popular beaches of Galveston Island.

The collision occurred around 10 a.m. when a tugboat operator, responsible for maneuvering two barges, reportedly lost control due to challenging currents and high tide. David Flores, a bridge superintendent with the Galveston County Navigation District, provided this explanation for the accident.

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