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Final Section of Barge to be Removed from Columbia River by Staff KPTV, August 25, 2011

ASTORIA, OR - Members of the Unified Command will be present today as of the final section of the derelict barge Davy Crockett will be lifted out of the Columbia River.

The barge partially sank in January while moored near Camas, WA after it began to buckle. The Coast Guard said structural instability of the vessel was likely caused by improper deconstruction practices.

Approximately 70 gallons of oil discharged from the vessel to the river when it began to sink, causing patches of sheen as far as 14 miles down river.

A cofferdam and impermeable barrier were built to surround the barge during deconstruction to keep any hazardous material releases contained inside. Dry dock deconstruction of the 431-foot vessel was not considered feasible.

Work will continue for several more weeks while divers dredge the river bottom inside the cofferdam to remove contamination resulting from the deconstruction work. The cofferdam will be removed after worksite cleanup is complete.