Mile 848.0 - RBD Trinity Barge Fabrication Plant

848 RBD Trinity Barge Fabrication Plant

After leaving the Caruthersville Harbor the downstream canoeist, kayaker or surfer (stand-up-paddlebpard) will soon paddle by a noteworthy river-related industry right bank descending. Trinity Barge Fabrication Plant specializes in large ocean-going barges. Like many ship-builders they launch their finished product by the “slide method.” The slide method involves sliding the new barge over the riverbank down a ramp leading to the water. During launches you will want to give this area wide berth. Newly completed barges dancing with fresh coats of industrial paint in bright colors make their splash-down and are transferred by small tows directly across the main channel where they are anchored alongside others for future use or transport. Note: if you are hugging Tennessee left bank descending as you come around the bend be alert of these fleeted tows, and keep your distance. Fleeted tows have consumed more than one canoe and many motorboats, and always present a potentially hazardous situation for any paddler.