Megan McB Tugboat Accident that Killed 1 and Injured 2 Seamen Still Under Investigation

Posted in Maritime Accidents,Minnesota Maritime News,Tug Boat Accidents,US Coast Guard (USCG) on July 19, 2013

DRESBACH, Minn. — The US Coast Guard is trying to determine what caused the Megan McB, owned by Brennan Marine, to capsize on the Mississippi River on the morning of July 3, killing a crewmember and injuring two other seamen.

A seaman aboard the tugboat Megan McB was killed on July 3 on the Mississippi River in Dresbach, MN when the tugboat capsized over the rollers of the Dresbach dam in eastern Minnesota.

The incident occurred on July 3 shortly after 6:15 a.m. when the Megan McB went through a dam gate at Lock and Dam No. 7. The boat tipped on its side and sank just below the gate, killing one of the crew.

The crew member who died in the accident was identified as Tyler Trussoni, 22, from Wisconsin. There were two other crew members onboard who escaped and were reported to have minor injuries.

According to Winona County Sheriff Dave Brand, the victim’s body was found on the second floor of the Megan McB tugboat around 3:15 p.m. His lifejacket was still on.

Brennen Marine, the company that owns the tugboat says high water and fast current speeds swept the towboat through the roller gates on the dam. That destabilized the boat, causing it to take on water.

The Megan McB was removed from the Mississippi at Lock and Dam No. 7 on July 9.

The Coast Guard expects the investigation to be completed sometime in August.