DRESBACH — Officials at Brennan Marine mourned the death of a 22-year-old deckhand on Thursday. Divers recovered the body of Tyler Trussoni of Genoa on Wednesday after a four-level tugboat tumbled over a roller at Lock and Dam No. 7 and capsized.
"Tyler's enthusiasm for working on the river and being a member of the crew will be greatly missed," said a statement released by the harbor services company. "He will be remembered for his good attitude, hard working character, and willingness to learn."
Two other workers on the Megan McB, a new vessel that was put into service less than a year ago, were able to escape for the boat's top level with minor injuries. Trussoni was trapped on the third level. All employees were wearing life vests.
There were no plans in place to move the boat, which is resting against concrete slabs below the river, said Brennan business development manager Mark Binsfeld. The company is exploring salvage options and expects it to be a difficult operation.
Winona County Sheriff Dave Brand had no updates on the boat.
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The company and authorities plan to investigate why the boat lost power before going over the dam. Binsfeld said that mechanical problems and a strong current likely contributed to the incident, but until the boat can be inspected answers will remain elusive.
