The 26 Campbell Transportation Co. barges, carrying coal and other dry cargo, were moored at Peggy’s Harbor marina when they were reported loose around 11:30 p.m., according to a statement from Pittsburgh city public safety officials. The nearby Branchport Boat Club sustained heavy damage, Pittsburgh TV station KDKA reported.
Eleven barges were rounded up and pushed to the river bank by Brunot Island, while 14 floated down the river before recovery. Nine more were corralled at the Emsworth Lock and Dam, and the remainder wound up at the Emsworth Dam, according to the Coast Guard.
As of Saturday afternoon, an empty barge sank and another broke away due to river conditions, according to an update from the Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh district.
Pittsburgh city officials said the breakaway caused damage, but no injuries were reported. The McKees Rocks Bridge and the train bridge to Brunot Island were temporarily closed during the incident.
