On July 5, 2019, the towing vessels Chattie Sue Smith, Mary Fern, Mary-R, and an unnamed deck barge sank in the Illinois River at mile 20.7 while moored at the Jersey County Grain Company facility in Hardin, Illinois. No crewmembers were aboard any of the vessels. Approximately 2,800 gallons of diesel fuel were released into the river and mostly recovered. Damage to the vessels, deck barge, and facility totaled an estimated $920,000.

The ​​​probable cause of the sinking of the towing vessels Chattie Sue Smith, Mary Fern, and Mary-R, along with a deck barge, was the deteriorated condition of the barge and the infrequent monitoring of the vessels, which allowed the barge to flood and sink, ultimately pulling down the moored towing vessels.

​​Company Oversight of Inactive Vessels

To protect vessels and the environment, it is good marine practice for owners and operators to conduct regular oversight and maintenance of vessel and barges, even during lay-up ​periods. Oversight should include periodic testing and maintenance of dewatering equipment.