On April 23, 2023, about 2242 local time, the towing vessel Susan K was pushing 25 barges downbound on the Lower Mississippi River when the tow struck the center bridge pier on the Natchez-Vidalia Bridge, which connects the cities of Natchez, Mississippi, and Vidalia, Louisiana. One barge sank, and two other barges were damaged; the Susan K was undamaged. No pollution or injuries were reported. Damage to the barges and cargo was estimated at $2 million.
We determined that the probable cause of the contact of the Susan K tow with the Natchez-Vidalia Bridge was the captain’s complacency, which resulted in his inattention to the tow’s position as it approached the bridge.
