According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, a commercial tow broke apart about 11 am Wednesday upstream of the dam. Several barges passed through the tainter gate bays, with one striking the dam.
There were no injuries to any personnel. Officials say navigation resumed at the dam at around 10 am Thursday.
One barge eventually sank into the river. The Coast Gaurd says it is working with Tennessee Valley Towing to salvage the barge, which contains pig iron.