Vicksburg barge accidents create economic waves
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Barge and railroad spokesmen say their customers see a big impact from a series of accidents in which barges hit the railroad bridge at Vicksburg.
The Coast Guard is investigating five such accidents that occurred over nine days. It responded to the first three by reducing the number of barges allowed in one tow from 25 to 20.
Austin Golding of Golding Barge Line tells The Clarion-Ledger that there were fewer such wrecks even in 2011, when the river hit a record 57 feet.
He and Kansas City Southern spokeswoman Doniele Carlson say it makes for longer trips, adding to shipping costs.
Golding says he may consider paying extra for an expert pilot to navigate his barges south through the Vicksburg channel.
