| Marine Safety Office Chicago U.S. Coast Guard |
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| Press Release |
Date: January 27, 2005 Contact: Public Affairs |
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CLEANUP AND RECOVERY OPERATIONS CONTINUE ON CHICAGO SANITARY AND SHIP CANAL CHICAGO – Testing and planning continue in recovery of the sunken barge and its petroleum cargo in preparations to fully reopen the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Coast Guard personnel conducted sampling of the barge cargo from accessible tank compartments onboard the barge today to help in further defining the composition of the petroleum product that was being transported to ensure it can be safely moved. The removal of known debris continued today with the lifting of a diesel tank that floated loose from the barge and sank down river from the Cicero Ave. Bridge. The use of a high resolution side scan sonar unit is being prepared to further map the debris field and to gain a better picture of the condition of the barge. Striving to mitigate any environmental impact to the local ecology, the Coast Guard continues to work closely with local, state and national agencies, and with the responsible parties to remove and reclaim the barge and the petroleum cargo from the canal. ### Editors Note: This is the last press release to be sent about the planning and proceedings of the recovery operations. The Coast Guard will send out subsequent releases upon any major changes or undertakings in the recovery operation.
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