Tow Vessel Sinks in Mississippi River

The U.S. Coast Guard is assisting in the response of a capsized 65-foot tow vessel.

Coast Guard Sector New Orleans watchstanders received a report around 9 a.m on Tuesday of a capsized vessel near mile marker 98 in the lower Mississippi River, adjacent to Louisiana Avenue Wharf. The tow vessel Kristin Alexis capsized with five crewmembers aboard.

Good Samaritan vessels arrived on scene and rescued the five crewmembers from the capsized vessel. All five crewmembers reported no injuries.

The sunken tow vessel is outside the navigable channel, and the waterway remains open to vessel traffic at this time.

An oil spill removal organization deployed boom and sorbent materials to mitigate any environmental impacts.  A salvage company is on scene to ensure the vessel remains secure overnight.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.