Towing Vessel Sinks in Ohio River

The U.S. Coast Guard has reported the capsize and sinking of a towing vessel on the Ohio River close to Golconda, Illinois, Wednesday evening.

Coast Guard Sector Ohio River Valley watchstanders had been notified the towing vessel David Dunnigan sank whereas working close to mile marker 897.5, at roughly 8 p.m. Wednesday.

The David Dunnigan reportedly capsized, sank and drifted down river. The actual location of the sunken vessel is unknown presently, the Coast Guard stated.

Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley Captain of the Port, Capt. Richard Timme, has restricted vessel operations from mile marker 896.5 to mile marker 900 on the Ohio River as a precaution till the place of the vessel is set.

The towing vessel is reportedly carrying an estimated 3,000 gallons of gas oil on board.

Personnel from Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Paducah, Kentucky, are on scene and can supervise response and restoration efforts.

There had been no reported accidents.

The reason behind the incident is below investigation.

The Ohio River has been below a flood warning for the previous a number of days amid melting snow within the midwest. The warning was cancelled Thursday morning as water receded beneath flood ranges.