Barge Operator in Louisiana Bridge Crash Likely Wasn’t Fined in 32 Others

Records show that before a barge-mounted crane slammed into a Louisiana bridge this month, operators for Marquette Transportation had more than 30 collisions and the company likely wasn’t fined.

The Advocate reports Marquette vessels had smashed into, collided with or brushed bridges at least 32 times across the country since Jan. 1, 2013.

The 1.5-mile Sunshine Bridge at Donaldsonville was rammed Oct. 12, and officials say it’ll be closed for at least several months. The Coast Guard and federal officials are investigating.

A Coast Guard database shows no referral for sanctions against Marquette, and Lt. John Robertson says it’s fair to assume the company hasn’t paid penalties for collisions the past 5 1/2 years.

Marquette said Monday it was preparing a possible response after officials hadn’t responded to the newspaper for comment.

Related:

• Barge-Mounted Crane Hits Louisiana Bridge; Closing it for Months

Topics Louisiana