The U.S. Coast Guard reports that two individuals were saved following a construction barge that flipped and sank in the waters of Lake Erie nearRocky River Park on Tuesday.
Military officials told 3News that the Rocky River police were the first to arrive at the scene, with Coast Guard teams from Cleveland providing support. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Rocky River police mentioned that a “Good Samaritan” from the adjacent Cleveland Yachting Club rescued the two barge workers from the lake and brought them safely to land before the officers arrived just before 6 p.m.
No one was harmed, and after a search, the Coast Guard verified that no other individuals were in the water.
An inquiry is being conducted regarding the sinking—covering the precise reason and those accountable—for which investigations are currently taking place. Authorities initially mentioned that at least three 55-gallon drums of oil dropped into the lake from the barge, but on Wednesday, the Coast Guard indicated that its Marine Safety Unit discovered “no visible oil slick, no smell, and could not find any missing drums.” Rocky River police subsequently informed 3News that “heavy machinery, containers holding liquid, welding tools, and personal belongings” from the ship ended up in Lake Erie.
As per the USCG, “efforts to handle both safety and environmental issues” are continuing, with the barge anticipated to be pulled back to land at some point on Wednesday. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency also states that its teams were not dispatched to the location.
