On March 19, 2021, about 1138 local time, the towing vessel Kevin Michael was transiting down river on the Mississippi River with a crew of nine pushing a 15-barge tow when the tow struck the bull nose of the upstream main lock chamber guide wall at the Melvin Price Locks and Dam in Alton, Illinois, resulting in the tow breaking apart and damaging the dam gates. No pollution or injuries were reported. Total damages to the barges and dam gates were estimated to be $1,172,227.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the contact of the Kevin Michael tow with the Melvin Price Locks and Dam guide wall was the Kevin Michael pilot not effectively compensating for the strong outdraft and wind above the dam while navigating toward the lock during a period of high-flow conditions.
