UTICA, Ill. (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard says two barges have been recovered after they drifted against piers at the Starved Rock Lock and Dam on the Illinois River.
The Coast Guard says a 157-foot towing vessel called the Joyce Hall was pushing eight barges of cargo on the river Sunday when four barges broke away. It happened because two of the barges contacted the dam’s protection cells.
Coast Guard officials say crew members were able to recover two of the barges but the other two moved against the piers. One barge that was carrying corn was recovered Sunday evening. The other barge carrying sand was recovering Monday morning.
The Army Corps of Engineers temporarily closed the lock. A preliminary investigation found minor damage to the dam and barges. There were no injuries.