APRIL 7, 2015
The Coast Guard responded Monday to a collision on the lower
Mississippi River near Convent.
At about 4 p.m., the motor vessel Privocean, a 751-foot bulk
carrier, broke free from its mooring, drifted downriver and collided with the
98-foot towing vessel Texas, which was moored at the time.
While the river is open, it is restricted to one-way traffic
between mile marker 160 and 163, according to the United States Coast Guard.
Crews continue to monitor the water quality following the
collision on the lower Mississippi River near Convent.
Around 4 p.m. Monday, the motor vessel Privocean, a 751-foot
bulk carrier, broke free from its mooring. Coast Guard officials say the vessel
drifted downriver and collided with the 98-foot towing vessel Texas, which was
moored at the time.
Crew members of the Texas were taken to the hospital for
medical evaluation, but no injuries were reported, according to the Coast
Guard.
The Privocean continued to drift downriver and collided with
the motor vessel Bravo, an 816-foot tank ship that was offloading crude oil.
The Bravo was able to complete emergency shutdown procedures before breaking
free of its moorings and connection points, causing an oil spill.
Approximately 126 gallons of oil were spilled on deck of the
Bravo, according to the Coast Guard. 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.
The spill was contained and is currently being cleaned.
Water plants are monitoring the situation.
Coast Guard officials say the water is safe and there is no
cause for alarm.