No Recoverable Oil after Mississippi Collision

The Lower Mississippi River opened for restricted traffic between mile marker 160 and 163, as of 10 p.m. on Monday after a multi-vessel collision in the waterway.

The bulk carrier Privocean broke free from its moorings at Ergon St. James Facility and drifted down river and collided with the 98-foot towing vessel Texas and then the 816-foot tank ship Bravo at approximately 4 p.m. on Monday.

Approximately 420 gallons (1,600 liters) of oil spilt into the river, and an additional 126 gallons (500 liters) is reported to have spilt on the deck of the Bravo. 

The oil spill was contained, and as part of the clean up operation, a Coast Guard overflight took place to assess any sheen or oil products on Tuesday. Other than a small amount of sheen near the incident location, no sheen or recoverable oil was observed during the overflight.

Additionally, a Coast Guard boat crew assessed the shoreline. Again, no recoverable oil was reported.

The Coast Guard continues to monitor the vessels at the scene. The Privocean is believed to be taking on water but is being kept afloat by tugs. Diving operations to complete an on-scene damage assessment are pending due to poor visibility.
 
The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.