​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This information is preliminary and subject to change.​​​

On January 16, 2025, at 1840 local time (central standard time), the towing vessel Tensaw departed Texas International Terminals (TIT) in Galveston, Texas, with two barges breasted up, and the towing vessel Albert was to assist with positioning the barges in the channel, prior to taking them in tow. As it backed into the channel, the Tensaw struck two power utility poles, knocking a high-power line into the water​. The Albert contacted and damaged the TIT break wall. Assist vessels responded and escorted the tugs and barges back to shore. Damage to the Tensaw and the Albert were minor, resulting in approximately $50,000 of damage to the Albert’s running gear, damages to the two poles and high-power line are estimated at $900,000, and damages to the break wall are estimated at $1 million. There were no injuries, and no pollution was reported. 

The US Coast Guard has declared this incident a major marine casualty. The Coast Guard will lead the investigation, and the NTSB will investigate and determine the probable cause.    ​