The Joe B. Wyatt underway in May 2019.

The Joe B. Wyatt underway in May 2019. (Source: Warren Underwood, Marinetraffic.com)​

Contact of Joe B. Wyatt Tow with Fort Madison Bridge Protection Cell and Fendering System

What Happened

​On May 9, 2024, about 1312 local time, the towing vessel Joe B. Wyatt was transiting downbound on the Mississippi River near Fort Madison, Iowa, pushing 13 loaded hopper barges and 2 empty tank barges. While transiting through the Fort Madison Bridge, the tow struck a protection cell and fendering system for the bridge and broke apart. There were no injuries, and no pollution was reported. Damage to the protection cell, fendering system, barges, and the Joe B. Wyatt was estimated at $3.28 million.

What We Found

​We determined that the probable cause of the contact of the Joe B. Wyatt tow with a protection cell and the fendering system of the Fort Madison Bridge was the pilot overcompensating for anticipated river crosscurrents during the tow’s approach to a bridge.​

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Lessons Learned

​​Sailing Line

Generally, a sailing line is assigned to a known safe route used by commercial vessels. A sailing line is developed with consideration of channel depth, current patterns, and any other known obstructions to navigation. A charted sailing line provides for a safe and successful transit when used as a guide, along with the mariner’s own experience and assessment of the existing circumstances.

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