Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Chicago responded to a bridge allision, on the Chicago River, which occurred shortly after 4 p.m., Tuesday. The cause of this incident is under investigation.

A barge, pushed by the motor vessel Dale White, a U.S.-flagged towing vessel, allided with the Chicago Avenue Bridge. Coast Guard responders found evidence of damage to the bridge and notified the Chicago Dept. of Transportation to assess the condition of the bridge.  The barge, which was empty, sustained only minor damage and is not taking on water.  No injuries were reported, and no pollution was found. 

The Coast Guard is conducting interviews with the vessel's crew and has ensured that the required drug and alcohol testing occurred.

The Coast Guard is a multi-mission, maritime agency under the Dept. of Homeland Security.  MSU Chicago, the investigating agency, has a primary mission of waterways mangement.  MSU Chicago conducts investigations of casualties involving commercial vessels to learn why the accident happened in order to reduce the risk of it happening again.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 29 October 2008 )