Towing Vessel Strikes Bridge Due to Lack of Real-Time Clearance Data

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On May 7, 2025, a towing vessel struck a vertical lift bridge while transiting northbound on the Vermilion River in Perry, Louisiana, during rising river conditions. The U.S. Coast Guard investigation found that the vessel's master miscalculated the bridge's available clearance due to relying on outdated river level data and the lack of effective means to determine the actual vertical clearance upon approach.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of having access to real-time data on river levels and bridge clearances to ensure the safe passage of vessels. The lack of these critical tools contributed to the allision, raising concerns about navigational safety at bridges and other chokepoints.

The details

The investigation identified two key causal factors: the decommissioning of the real-time river gauge station that previously provided data used by mariners, and the absence of required vertical clearance gauges on the Perry Bridge. Without up-to-date river level information and on-site clearance measurements, the towing vessel's master was unable to accurately assess the available vertical clearance before attempting to pass under the bridge.

• On May 7, 2025, the towing vessel struck the vertical lift bridge on the Vermilion River in Perry, Louisiana.
• In February 2025, the U.S. Geological Survey decommissioned the real-time river gauge station (07386980) on the Vermilion River at Perry due to lack of funding.

What’s next

The U.S. Coast Guard will continue to work with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to ensure the Perry Bridge is equipped with the required vertical clearance gauges. Additionally, the U.S. Geological Survey has been recommended to restore or replace the decommissioned real-time river gauge station on the Vermilion River at Perry.