The Cincinnati Enquirer

SAYLER PARK - The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating a barge accident that damaged five boats Monday.

Between 3 and 4 p.m., seven barges being pushed by a towboat crashed into boats docked at Mariner's Landing Marina.

The barges, loaded with cement, were owned by American Commercial Barge Line.

One barge was damaged and will have to be repaired before it can be loaded again, said Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Nick Meyers.

The pilot and master of the towboat were required to be tested for drugs after the accident, he said.

"The company agreed to replace the pilot at the wheel when it happened and to have him checked out medically," Meyers said, adding that the company was very cooperative with the investigation.

"It's just an unfortunate thing that it happened," he said.