At 1134 local time on June 20, 2019, the crane barge U1510 (with three persons on board), being pushed by the towing vessel Goose Creek (with three crewmembers on board), struck three overhead power transmission lines while transiting to Precon Marine on the southern branch of the Elizabeth River in Chesapeake, Virginia. No pollution or injuries were reported. Damage to the powerlines and crane barge was estimated at $226,204.

​​The probable cause of the contact of the towing vessel Goose Creek’s tow, crane barge U1510, with the overhead powerlines was the tow’s captain not identifying the risk of raising the boom as the tow approached the powerlines due to the lack of company oversight, demonstrated by the company not implementing a towing safety management system or hiring a properly credentialed mariner to operate the vessel.

​​Navigation Assessments

Regardless of requirements, planning and preparation before a tow commences is critically important, including the identification of charted authorized overhead vertical clearance along the route. Overhead powerlines pose a risk to vessels and tows with high air drafts. Owners and operators should develop voyage plans that assess operational risks and hazards, to include air draft relative to overhead powerlines and bridges along the intended route.​