The Houston Ship Channel above ExxonMobil in Baytown was closed to marine traffic Sunday after a set of barges carrying scrap metal collided with a tower supporting a high-voltage electric transmission line. ExxonMobil, Barbour's Cut and Bayport terminals as well as the ports of Texas City and Galveston are open for traffic to and from the sea.
The affected section of the shipping channel may remain closed to most vessel traffic until late Tuesday while repairs are being made, according to port officials.
The crash occurred about 6 a.m. Sunday at the most narrow point along the 19-mile channel at Baytown.
The tow boat Safety Quest was pushing three barges loaded with scrap metal when it struck highline electrical tower 197, which remained upright with the support of one of the barges, the U.S. Coast Guard reported. Power was shut off to the tower.
No injuries were sustained by crew members who were swiftly moved to another vessel. The crash is under investigation and the crew members will be tested for drug and alcohol use, according to the Coast Guard.
The affected section of the shipping channel may remain closed to most vessel traffic until late Tuesday while repairs are being made, according to port officials.
The crash occurred about 6 a.m. Sunday at the most narrow point along the 19-mile channel at Baytown.
The tow boat Safety Quest was pushing three barges loaded with scrap metal when it struck highline electrical tower 197, which remained upright with the support of one of the barges, the U.S. Coast Guard reported. Power was shut off to the tower.
No injuries were sustained by crew members who were swiftly moved to another vessel. The crash is under investigation and the crew members will be tested for drug and alcohol use, according to the Coast Guard.