A tugboat sank into the Tennessee River in north Alabama over the weekend, releasing thousands of gallons of diesel into the water, authorities said.
According to the Florence Alabama Police Department, the boat released between 3,000 and 5,000 gallons of diesel into the water after it sank near O’Neal Bridge. The department said diesel fuel has begun to wash up the beaches of McFarland Park.
Authorities vacated swimmers from the affected waters and warned locals to stay out of the water and off the beaches until further notice. The park is a popular destination for families that features a beach area, fishing piers, playgrounds, and campsites, according to Florence’s website….