Sudden Water Surge Pushes Barge Into Algiers Lock Gate, Causes $2M Damage

A sudden water surge caused by the wakes of passing ships led to a barge striking a lock gate at Algiers Lock in New Orleans, resulting in an estimated $2 million in damage, according to a report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The incident took place on July 4, 2023, when the 68-foot towing vessel Kitty was pushing two loaded tank barges into the Algiers Lock from the Mississippi River side. At the time, the river stage was at 1.7 feet, considered an “extremely low” water level.

A severe wake warning had been issued due to the increased risk of wave action in shallow areas, but there were no specific speed restrictions in place.

Shortly before the Kitty entered the lock, three deep-draft ships passed by on the Mississippi River between 5:52 p.m. and 6:02 p.m., travelling at speeds betw…

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