6 Barges Break Free, 1 Sinks After Collision With Cargo Ship On Mississippi River

Two vessels collided on the Lower Mississippi River near New Orleans late Sunday night on April 27, causing six barges to break free and one barge to sink.

The U.S. Coast Guard reported that the incident occurred around 9:20 p.m. at mile marker 110.

A Panamanian-flagged cargo ship, ISLA DE BIOKO, and the U.S.-flagged towing vessel GINNY STONE were involved in the collision.

A barge loaded with urea sank beneath the river surface. Four of the six drifting barges were quickly retrieved by nearby assist tugs.

However, two other barges became lodged on the anchor lines of BULKER BEE 30 and RED FIN, two stationary motor vessels in the area.

In response to the risk posed by the drifting and sunken barges, the Captain of the Port ordered a temporary closure of the river between mile markers 108 and 111, just above Head of Passes.

The closure of the river allowed authorities to ensure navigation safety and coordinate recovery operations.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted a survey and identified the sunken barge resting approximately 75 feet below the water’s surface.

The river was reopened to vessel traffic under certain restrictions after the last two drifting barges were secured by Monday around 3 p.m.

The Coast Guard stated that high river levels have complicated the ongoing response and salvage operations. Officials are working closely with the responsible party to assess the situation and plan further actions.

No injuries have been reported, and authorities confirmed there were no immediate threats to wildlife or shoreline areas. The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation.

Reference: USCG

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