The towboad approaches a bridge with barges loaded with coal

This frame gives you an idea how fast the river is running This frame gives you an idea 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 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 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 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 Notice anything unusual?  Look at the smoke coming from the exhausts.  This thing is running!!!

Notice the propwash at the rear of the tug 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.