"John H." wrote
"The tragedy points out the dangers that barges can pose to recreational
boaters, Armstead said. "They're silent killers. You can't hear them.""

This statement made when several paragraphs earlier it was noted that the
barge sounded its whistle and Fisher steered into it.

I think what Clyde was alluding to was this: Depending on the length of the
tow, the sound can be coming from a couple hundred yards away from the part
that's running over you.