​This information is preliminary and subject to change.

​On April 17, 2026, about 1906 local time (Central Daylight Time), a barge being pushed ahead by the towing vessel Assault struck submerged power and sewage lines in the Industrial Canal near the Florida Avenue Bridge in New Orleans, Louisiana. The contact cut power and breached the sewer line. The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway temporarily closed in the vicinity of the Florida Avenue Bridge. As a result of the contact, some areas of New Orleans lost power, but power was restored by 2200 the same evening. The sewage line was expected to take several days to repair. Damage to submerged piping and power lines is estimated to be $2-$10 million; damage to the barge is estimated at $58,000. No injuries were reported. An unknown quantity of sewage was discharged into the Industrial Canal. 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.