I had no idea how popular this would be……  Some disclaimer is in order.  I don’t know where these pictures or captions originally came from.  I originally saw them as a link to the Cruising World BBS and saved them to give to friends.  Shortly after that the link disappeared and more interest was expressed so I dumped them onto my attbi personal site.  Figured this was safe since there is no copyright notice.  Some had guessed that it is near Demopolis, Alabama, maybe under a bridge on US 43 or US 80.  Probably in the late 70’s.  If you like them better download and save them before they disappear.

 

 

 

TUGBOAT
Do not try this at home.  Remember, this is a professional captain.

The towboat is approaching the bridge with barges loaded with coal.

This frame gives you an idea of how fast the river is running.  Obviously at or near flood stage

Oh CRAP!!!  The bridge didn't open and the boat can't stop.  Notice that the tug has released the barges.
He is backing as hard as possible to try and avoid a collision with the bridge.

Can't back down enough against the current.

Uh Oh!  The current has swung the boat around sideways.

The cook thinks maybe something isn't quite right.

The boss is going to be REAL mad!

Uh... Boss?  Do we have flood insurance on this boat?

Uh.... Boss?  You ain't gonna believe what we just did!

She's low, but the flag is still flying.

The wheelhouse door and the door in the second deck are now open.
Look close at the bottom righthand side of the picture and you will see that the bridge guardrail is underwater.

 

 

Look at the water pouring out of the second deck doorway.
 

The working deck is still underwater, but rising.
 

 
 
 

Notice anything unusual?  Look at the smoke coming from the exhausts.  This thing is running!!!

Notice the propwash at the rear of the tug.  The boat is upright and back under power.
 

Ho Hum.  Just another day on the river.