When we think of environmental disasters involving petroleum, we often transfer the blame from bad transportation operations to the oil production itself. Prepare for another “oil is bad” media onslaught because of the tugboat named Mel Oliver.

I’m glad nobody was hurt. UPI reports:

NEW ORLEANS, July 24 (UPI) — A catastrophic oil spill resulting from a tanker collision stretched about 100 miles from New Orleans to the mouth of the Mississippi River, officials say.

(skipping)

The oil spill occurred early Wednesday when a 600-foot Liberian tanker collided with a barge carrying 400,000 gallons of thick, marine oil. The barge was split in half, sending nearly all of its contents into the river. The barge reportedly was being pulled by the tugboat Mel Oliver, which had no appropriately licensed personnel on board at the time of the incident, the newspaper said. (emphasis mine)

I see a lawsuit in the making. Let’s hope it stays with the tugging company.