Gasoline Barge Runs Aground On Hudson River Near Catskill

CATSKILL, NY — A gasoline-carrying barge ran aground in the Hudson River Tuesday just off the Catskill shore.

None of the 60,000 barrels of gasoline spilled into the river when the vessel hit the shallow river bottom around 8:30 a.m., the Daily Freeman said.

Environmental officials are working with the U.S. Coast Guard to determine how to free the barge.

Governor Andrew Cuomo and Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos were on the scene, according to media reports.

The Coast Guard wants to create 10 new anchorage grounds on the Hudson River from Yonkers to Kingston. There would be a total 43 berths if the proposal comes to fruition.

Local politicians and residents have voiced concerns about the proposal, with the Westchester Board of Legislators voting unanimously against it in a resolution.

U.S. Rep. John Faso, R-Kinderhook, said he was relieved that there were no major injuries or spillage resulting from the incident.

“I am in contact with Greene County Sheriff Greg Seeley and his office and continue to receive updates and accident assessments as they become available,” he said, in a prepared statement.

“In addition to monitoring today’s incident, I intend to make a request for a formal investigation into the cause of the accident through the U.S. Coast Guard and if circumstances warrant it, the Office of Marine Safety at the National Transportation Safety Board,” Faso said.

The Daily Freeman article can be accessed here.

File photo credit: Michael Woyton/Patch Staff.