Daring move frees Austin C. Settoon from Racine Locks and Dam

RACINE – Following a daring move, the Austin C. Settoon has been freed from the Racine Locks and Dam.

Crews worked to free the tow that had gone through the tainter gate at the Racine Locks and Dam. While one set of crews worked to free the tow, another on the Alabama maneuvered up river to “catch” the Austin C. Settoon.

The tow was freed from the dam and was caught in the current. Turning completely around several times in the rapidly moving waters, the Austin C. Settoon listed as it drifted down river. At that point, it seemed as if the vessel might sink. Crews from the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could be seen all along the dam and locks watching the dramatic “catch” of the tow.

Once the Austin C. Settoon reached a certain point, the Alabama was able to maneuver into position and “caught” the loose tow. Just at the right moment, the pilotless tow turned in the right direction in the churning Ohio River for the Alabama to catch it. Crew members from the Alabama quickly moved to secure the Austin C. Settoon to the Alabama. The Alabama then towed the Settoon in to the lock chamber.

The Austin C. Settoon had been stuck on the dam since March 2, 2017 when one of the three barges it was towing broke loose. The tow and two of the barges were stuck against the dam while one barge went into the locks. The barges remain until a larger vessel can be brought in to tow them away from the dam.

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ALL PHOTOS ARE BY CARRIE GLOECKNER, MEIGS INDEPENDNET PRESS.