About 0212 on May 12, 2013, the bulk carrier Herbert C. Jackson was cleared for passage through the Jefferson Avenue Bridge over the Rouge River about 6 miles southwest of Detroit, Michigan, when the bridge tender, who was legally intoxicated at the time, lowered the drawbridge, striking the bulk carrier's bow. Damage to the vessel was estimated at $5,000. The bridge, a registered historic structure,was extensively damaged and expected to remain closed until 2015 for repair and restoration. No one was injured.

​​The probable cause of the allision of the Herbert C. Jackson with the Jefferson Avenue Bridge was the intoxicated bridge tender’s closing of the drawbridge as the vessel began its transit through the open bridge span.​