Coast Guard responds to partially submerged towing vessel

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 02/26/2017 12:49 PM EST

united states coast guard

News Release  

February 26, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Heartland
Contact: 8th District Public Affairs
Office: (504) 671-2020
After Hours: (618) 225-9008

Coast Guard responds to partially submerged towing vessel

 

NEW ORLEANS—The Coast Guard is responding to a partially submerged towing vessel on the Lower Mississippi River near Vidalia, Louisiana, Sunday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Lower Mississippi River received a report at approximately 3 a.m. that the towing vessel, Sonny J, was partially submerged near Vidalia, Louisiana, with approximately 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board.

The vessel’s fuel tank vents are above water and have been plugged.

Members from Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Vicksburg arrived on scene at approximately 8 a.m. to assess the situation.

A marine surveyor and WT Drilling, an oil spill response organization, are on scene as well.

Containment boom and sorbent material have been deployed around the towing vessel and there is light sheening within the boomed area.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

-USCG-