The COTP Paducah KY advises mariners that Smithland L/D MI 919.0 ceased
locking operations on 07 Mar 97 due to high water. Passage over the weir is
restricted to daylight hours only until further notice. All vessels are requested to notify
the lockmaster prior to navigating the weir. After passing over the weir, D/B vsls are
req to return as quickly as possible to the right descending side to avoid wake and
wash damage along the Kentucky shoreline.
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There was an incident last night where two chemical barges broke out of a
northbound tow while shoving over the weir at Smithland. Please caution your pilots
of the following to help prevent similar incidents in the future:
1. There is a .9' differential in elevation at the weir. When northbound, approach the weir slowly and "mount the reef" at the slowest safe speed.
2. Slack wires on tow if necessary to accommodate the difference in elevation.
3. Put out safety lines and extra rigging as appropriate.
4. Daylight operations only over the pass.
We all were very fortunate that there was no damage or spill in this incident. If this
happens again, we will probably see a total closure of the river.
