Multiple Vessel Collision on the Mississippi

The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating a multiple vessel collision on the Mississippi River near Gretna, early Wednesday.

Watchstanders with Coast Guard Sector New Orleans command center received a report, late Tuesday evening, that the Maltese-flagged vessel Flag Gangos lost power and steering near mile marker 97.4 on the Lower Mississippi River. The Flag Gangos collided with the Liberian-flagged vessel Pamisos and the barge Web 235, both moored at the International Matex Tank Terminals conducting transfer operations.

The crew of the towing vessel Capt. Shawn D. Martinez was transferring number six fuel oil from the barge when the barge broke free causing some oil to be discharged into the river from the transfer hose. The hose was shut off immediately following the incident.

Responders on scene deployed boom in the area of the incident. Both the vessel Pamisos and the barge sustained damage, no injuries were reported.

Coast Guard Captain of the Port, New Orleans, has implemented one-way traffic in the vicinity of the International Matex Tank Terminals near Gretna.

A Coast Guard Station New Orleans boatcrew and Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew are on scene to assist as needed.

The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the incident.