Barge Strike Report Highlights Risks of Low Water Conditions and Wake Effects

The National Transportation Safety Board reported that a barge strike occurred at Algiers Lock in New Orleans in 2023 due to surging water from the Mississippi River. The incident involved the towing vessel Kitty pushing two loaded tank barges into the lock during low water conditions, resulting in the lead barge striking one of the lock gates. Thankfully, there were no injuries or pollution, but the damage to the lock gate was estimated at $2 million.

The surge that led to the barge strike was likely caused by wake effects from deep draft ships passing near the lock during extremely low water conditions. This movement of water in and out of the forebay and lock chamber caused the vessels in those areas to surge. The crew of the Kitty observed a significant 3–6-foot change in water level in the lock chamber during transit, with the NTSB determining a minimum change of 3.4 feet during the incident.

Prior to the barge strike, three loaded ships had passed near the lock within a short 10-minute timeframe. The NTSB’s investigation into the water-level variations in the Algiers Lock, based on footage from the Kitty, highlighted the impact of the surge on vessel operations. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by fluctuating water levels and the importance of navigating safely in such conditions to prevent accidents and damage to infrastructure.

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