RedactedNarrative: Operator1 and V1 occupant1 were fishing, drifting with the current between O''Neal Bridge and the mouth of McFarland Park Marina.  A Commercial Towboat M/V "Addie Belle" was pushing barges traveling downriver from Wilson Lock.  
  
  According to Operator1 and V1 occupant1, the Towboat did not alert its presence to them, and they noticed the Towboat when it was very close to the stern of their vessel.  Operator1 was at the front of his vessel and tried to use the trolling motor to get out of the way while V1 occupant1 tried to get the main engine started.  
  
  They tried to go Northwest to avoid the Towboat.  Their vessel contacted the front of the Barges, and they pushed off the barges with their hands to keep from being overturned.  They were able to get out from the front of the barges with some minor injuries.  
  
  Operator1 reported abrasions to his right shoulder, back and right knee.  V1 occupant1 had abrasions on his right arm at the elbow and right shoulder.  Neither person received medical treatment.  
  
  They tried to get the attention of the Towboat as it passed but did not see a response.  They then returned to the boat ramp at McFarland Park and left the scene.  They reported the incident the following day, on Sept. 27, and I talked to Operator1 by phone.  I advised him to contact the U.S.C.G since it involved a commercial vessel.  They reported the incident to U.S.C.G. and I was requested to collect information from the recreational vessel.  I scheduled with Operator1 to come to his residence on Sept. 28 to view the vessel and interview V1 occupant1 and Operator1.  The USCG requested that I collect the information from the recreational vessel and advised they would investigate the incident with the commercial Towboat that was involved. The Pilot was interviewed by U.S. Coast Guard personnel.
  