APRIL 7, 2015
NEW ORLEANS, MISSISSIPPI
The Coast Guard responded to an collision on the lower
Mississippi River near Convent, Louisiana, Monday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received
report at approximately 4:00 p.m., the motor vessel Privocean, a 751 foot bulk
carrier, broke free from its mooring and drifted down river and collided with
the 98 foot towing vessel Texas which was moored at the time. The crew of the
Texas taken to hospital for medical evaluation but no injuries were reported at
this time.
The Privocean continued to drift down river and also
collided with the motor vessel Bravo, an 816 foot tank ship, which was off
loading crude oil at the time of the incident. The Bravo was able to complete
emergency shutdown procedures before breaking free of her moorings and
connection points, causing an oil spill.
The Privocean was able to get underway and anchor at mile
marker 162. The Bravo is half a mile down the river from its original position
and is anchored with a two tug escort. All vessels are being actively being
monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard response teams.
The Mississippi River is closed from mile marker 163 to mile
marker 154.
The Texas is currently stable and not taking on water or
discharging any oil.
The Bravo currently has a three tug escort, the vessel is
stable but taking on water in the ballast tanks. The Bravo’s propeller is
currently fouled with a mooring line, but remains stable at anchor with tug
escorts.
The facility arms, the source of the discharge, were secured
and containment boom was deployed by an Oil Spill Response Organization. Coast
Guard response teams along with OMI Environmental Services are currently
responding to the spill.
Approximately 126 gallons of oil were spilled on deck of the
Bravo, but was contained and is currently being cleaned.
Initial assessments show approximately 420 gallons of oil
discharged into the river. The Coast Guard informed the down-river Parish
Officials to protect municipal water supplies.
U.S. Coast Guard is actively monitoring the situation of all
three vessel and affected areas down river. U.S. Coast Guard will continue to
evaluate any potential impacts to the environment.
The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.