It’s January 26, 2012.
Cadiz residents Robert and Debbie Parker thought it would be a good idea to pile into a small, white Dodge pickup and pop over to Murray. Their son, Chris Mayfield, lived there, and was expecting his first child. No one knew if it was a boy or girl. The Parkers were proud soon-to-be grandparents.
After a meal at Sirloin Stockade, the duo headed home — a light, misting rain accompanying their drive. It was approaching 8 p.m. At worst, the deer would be running in Land Between the Lakes. There was no need to hurry.
Around 8:01 p.m., a Foss Maritime cargo ship named “Delta Mariner” — carrying precious cargo for NASA, no less — entered a recreation channel of Kentucky Lake, and failed to clear the underbelly of the Eggner Ferry Bridge.
In a massive collision, the vessel removed 322 feet of concrete, steel and pavement — sending debris onto its deck and into the muddy, frigid waters.
Less than 10 minutes later, the Parkers were approaching Aurora. Ten years later, Debbie still remembers the wretched gut feeling she had when they first came to cross.
Unaware that a full football field of roadway was missing from their path, Robert kept driving. Other than a ship lurching near the bridge, it was hard to tell anything was amiss.
Robert got out of his white Dodge, and walked to the newly-formed edge. He could see the pile of wrought steel and rocks covering the top of the ship. He could see midshipmen working on top of the deck. And he could hear them calling out: “Get back!”
Robert kept calling dispatch for emergency assistance. Naturally, and fairly, they thought it was a crank call. Why on Earth would part of a bridge be missing?
In returning to the truck, Debbie said her husband had lost color.
One by one, vehicles started to pile in behind the Parkers — bound for Trigg County and beyond. But aside of turning around or taking a left toward Aurora, there was nowhere else to go. Anyone who committed to the former two-lane terror had little room to maneuver — nor did they feel comfortable doing so.
The Parkers remained at the front of the line, waiting for first responders. It wasn’t long before everyone, and Debbie meant everyone, to arrive on scene.
By 1:30 the next morning, Robert and Debbie had returned home — their cell phones filled with taken and missed phone calls. Flurries of text messages. And, of course, doubt. Doubt that the bridge damage could be that severe.
A full newscycle later, and the whole world knew what had happened. The Eggners Ferry Bridge was done for, and miraculously, nary a person — nor the cargo — was hurt or damaged.
The Parkers now have more than memories of that night, of a bridge gone missing. Christmas curios, and special T-shirt, still serve as a reminder. As does a grandson, who will turn 10 in May.
Debbie said they never wear them. But “Ship Happens,” indeed.
