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STATEMENT OF THE AMERICAN WATERWAYS OPERATORS ON THE TRAGIC INTERSTATE-40 BRIDGE COLLAPSE

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Waterways Operators (AWO), the national trade association for the American tugboat, towboat and barge industry expresses its profound regret over the tragic barge collision with the Interstate-40 bridge over the Arkansas River in Webbers Falls, Oklahoma. We understand the terrible impact of this accident on the families and loved ones of the victims, and we extend our deepest sympathy to them.

While waterways transportation is statistically the safest form of cargo transportation, any accident, especially one that results in a loss of life, is completely abhorrent to us, and of the greatest concern to our members. We stand ready to assist the accident investigation in any way possible and to implement any changes necessary to prevent this type of tragedy from ever happening again.

The members of AWO have a deep commitment to safety. We have worked very hard over the past ten years, in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard, to raise the bar of safety for the entire industry. This process resulted in the AWO Responsible Carrier Program, a set of industry safety standards that go above and beyond those required by law. All AWO members, including Magnolia Marine Transport Co., are in audited compliance with this program, which encompasses all aspects of vessel operations. AWO also works closely with the Coast Guard through the Coast Guard-AWO Safety Partnership to examine critical safety issues facing the industry and to improve our safety performance.

America's barge and towing industry operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, carrying the nation's freight. We recognize our responsibility to the nation to operate safely on the inland and coastal navigable waters of America. We await the results of the accident investigation and pledge to be a constructive part of the search for solutions needed to avert future accidents of this kind. In the meantime, we offer our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims of this tragedy.

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