Video: Towboat Partially Sinks After Crashing Into Magdalena River Bridge

A towboat crashed into the Guillermo Gaviria Bridge in Barrancabermeja, Colombia, early Sunday morning. The accident happened around 6:15 a.m. near the Ecopetrol refinery, about 160 miles north of Bogotá.

The vessel, identified as Ciudad de Medellín and operated by Naviera Río Grande, struck one of the bridge piers while navigating the Magdalena River.

The river had swollen due to heavy rains, and the strong current made maneuvering difficult. Local fishermen believe the towboat may have moved outside the navigation channel before the incident.

The impact caused severe damage to the towboat. The top of the pilothouse was cut off as it passed under the bridge, and shortly after, the vessel began taking on water.

Video from the scene shows it listing to starboard before partially sinking by the stern. Fortunately, no crew injuries were reported.

Puente Guillermo Gaviria por poco se cae tras choque de remolcador en el río Magdalena, Barrancabermeja [Video] https://t.co/mqS1r4csem pic.twitter.com/YuQClfpfgs

— Tu prensa digital (@Tuprensadigital) August 18, 2025

Residents rushed to the site with life jackets to help the crew until salvage teams arrived. One local described the moment as alarming, saying the towboat appeared to lose control as the current pushed it toward the bridge.

Authorities are now investigating the cause of the incident and assessing whether the bridge’s structure has been affected. Civil engineers have begun inspections, though motor traffic on the bridge is still moving normally for now, according to Colombian outlet Blu Radio.

Local citizens have expressed concern over the swollen river and the lack of immediate official response. They also pointed out that other accidents, including smaller boats swept away by the current, have occurred recently.

Many are urging authorities to take stronger measures to ensure safe navigation on the river.

The towboat Ciudad de Medellín, a 2,000-horsepower vessel, is typically used to transport dry bulk and petroleum cargoes along the Magdalena River. Operations in the area have been temporarily suspended as the shipping company arranges salvage work to recover the wreck and secure the waterway.

References: nauticalnova, tuprensadigital

Source: Maritime Shipping News