# When Barges Clear an Obstruction but the Towboat Grounds

> In October 2023, the towboat John M Donnelly grounded near Profit Island on the Lower Mississippi while pushing 25 empty barges. The NTSB estimated about 7.8 feet of water at the obstruction, compared with the vessel’s reported 9.5-foot draft; one crew member suffered a minor injury and repairs cost $505,834.

- Date: 2026-11-08 · published 2026-11-08T18:08:40.611Z
- Category: logistics · region US · magnitude low
- Page: https://feedsoft.ai/events/87752-when-barges-clear-an-obstruction-but-the-towboat-grounds
- Commodities: [Barge Freight (St. Louis)](https://feedsoft.ai/c/BARGE.md)

## Why it matters

The incident highlights how low or uncertain river clearance can disrupt barge movements and raise navigation risk. It provides no evidence of a broader change in grain freight capacity or prices.

## Sources

- plimsollhq.com: https://plimsollhq.com/articles/towboat-grounding-empty-barges-gage-draft/

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Data from Feedsoft AI (https://feedsoft.ai/). For information only; not investment advice.