WESTERN KY (2/17/12) – As bridges go, Eggner’s Ferry Bridge was a frightening bridge to cross. From an individual who isn’t overly fond of heights’ point of view, one false move and you would be over the edge, sinking into the murky depths, or going one-on-one with the front of a passing tractor trailer. Eggners Ferry Bridge was old, narrow, and high, though evidently not high enough.
Bridges are feared by many individuals that suffer from a phobia called Gephyrophobia, or bridge phobia. Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders, affecting about 5-12% of Americans. Text books will define a phobia as “an irrational fear” of an object, such as a bridge or height, or a situation, but perhaps not so irrational in regards to this particular bridge. If you suffer from Acrophobia (fear of heights), bridges like the Eggners Ferry Bridge are not happy places for you either. From a driver’s perspective, meeting a big tractor-trailer rig on that bridge would give you a healthy case of Claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces).
Some people can operate and overcome their anxiety or fear. They are able to operate almost normally; and, most phobias can be cured with therapy. But, some people just avoid bridges and high places.
The story of the Delta Mariner taking out a 322 foot section of the Eggners Ferry Bridge was SurfKY News’ most read story ever with 22,000 reads. The loss of the bridge is quite significant for the region; and, we had some good photos.
The first lawsuit has now been filed in federal court by Foss Maritime and Foss Atlantic, who owned and operated the Delta Mariner. They are trying to get out front in pushing the cause of the accident on others. They are also attempting to limit their liability to $13,228,150 which is the value of the ship and cargo. The lawsuit blames the crash on navigation lights that were not operating on the bridge. The lawsuit may be premature and may have no effect. The United States Coast Guard is investigating the accident and will render a decision on the cause of the vessel hitting the bridge.
Generally in accident investigations, investigators find that several factors contribute to the accident. However, it is the “final factor” that seals the deal; after which, the crash will happen. If conducted properly, the investigation will answer the questions about which lights were inoperative and how important were those lights in providing guidance to the captain or mate navigating the vessel. Who was at the helm at the time of the accident? We know darkness was a factor. We also know visibility was reduced at the time. We also know that the ship’s radar should have identified the bridge and piers. Was the radar in operation? Why didn’t the crew use the radar signature to navigate between the proper bridge supports?
The navigation channel is also supposed to be marked with buoys, lights and markers. Were these properly placed and were the lights working on the buoys?
What about other navigation systems on the vessel? Did the Delta Mariner have GPS or other systems for navigation on inland waterways? Were the systems operational? Were they turned on? Did the crew on duty know how to operate the systems? Had the systems been updated lately and perhaps contain improper information?
How fast was the Delta Mariner travelling when they realized that they were not going to clear the bridge? Did the crew have time to throw the ship into full reverse prior to impact? How scary was that in the pilot house (ship bridge) when they hit the side of the huge structure. The crew on the ship must have thought that they were goners. Did the captain have time to activate a crash warning for the crew? Did the captain sound horns or lights to warn cars on the bridge?
These are questions that will be answered by the Coast Guard. There are other questions that we can only speculate. This scenario is the nightmare that every captain and river pilot fears. It is also the fear of those of us who drive over the bridges.
When the 8,400 ton vessel contacted the bridge, the structure started to bend (see photo attached below). The piers on each end held the ends of the bridge until there was enough bend - then the ends slipped free from the piers. How did it sound as steel ground against steel, rivets popped and welds broke? For a moment the entire bridge rested on the bow of the huge ship - the enormous weight of the bridge pushing the bow down deep in the water. It lasted only a moment. As the ends of the bridge freed from the piers, they would swing forward and cause the entire bridge to roll slightly forward. The huge structure was not designed to be supported from the center as it sat balanced on the ship. The forces were enormous as the vertical sides of the bridge fell forward losing the remaining structural integrity. The steel beams gave way under the weight - the ends of the bridge fell to the bottom of the lake – the wreckage draped over the bow of the ship – the very ship that seconds before destroyed the span.
The Angels were with the crew and the folks travelling across the bridge that night. But, the demons are dancing for those with Gephyrophobia. Perhaps the demons will be dancing in your head the next time you cross an old, narrow, high bridge. Just remember to latch onto an Angel to carry you across.
Ron Sanders
SurfKY News
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