Low water traps LST; Moline visit delayed
Aug 27, 2008 09:17AM
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By Joe Beach, jbeach@qconline.com
The USS LST 325 , a World War II troop landing craft that was expected in Moline today, is stuck in Burlington because of low water.
John Vize, an East Moline river pilot who was to bring the ship upriver today, said the Mississippi is closed near Oquawka. The channel, normally kept at a minimum of 9 feet, is down to 7 feet, he said.
The ship draws a minimum of 8 feet, he said, and falling water has made it difficult to maneuver.
“We were touching bottom in several places,” he said.
LST 325, a troop and tank landing craft that saw action in North Africa, Sicily and Normandy, could reach the Quad-Cities Friday if the Corps of Engineers is able to dredge the channel.
The vessel was to be moored near the Celebration Belle and be open for tours through Sept. 2.
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