Federal investigators found that stronger-than-expected tidal currents caused a barge to break free and strike the Pelican Island bridge in 2024, resulting in millions in damage and a fuel spill.
The National Transportation Safety Board released its final findings Thursday on a 2024 barge collision with the Pelican Island Causeway, ruling that stronger than predicted tidal currents led the vessel to break free and collide with the structure.
The incident occurred on May 15, 2024, when a barge towed by a tugboat lost control and damaged the bridge connecting Pelican Island to Galveston. The captain was unable to fight the strain, and the towline snapped because the current was stronger than expected, investigators said.
No casualties were reported; however, the incident resulted in approximately 20,000 gallons of vacuum gas oil spilling into the adjacent river, prompting environmental concerns at the time. Officials sought to limit the spill while cleanup activities continued.
The government calculated overall damages at roughly $8.4 million, covering structural consequences to the bridge and related response expenses.
The crash briefly blocked access to Pelican Island, stranding residents and workers who use the causeway as their main route. At the time, local media reported that people felt compelled to find other, often makeshift, ways to get to and from the island.
The Pelican Island Causeway (constructed in 1960) is almost 3,200 feet long and around 164 feet broad. The bridge was already on the replacement list, with an estimated completion date of about 2025.
The NTSB’s conclusions underscore the challenges of operating in crowded coastal waters, where environmental conditions can change fast and surpass operational objectives, including tides and currents.
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