NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard is responding to a partially submerged towing vessel on the Lower Mississippi River near Vidalia, La., on Feb. 26. Coast Guard Sector Lower Mississippi River received a report around 3 a.m. that the towing vessel Sonny J was partially submerged with some 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board. The vessel’s fuel tank vents are above water and have been plugged. Members from Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Vicksburg, Miss., arrived on scene around 8 a.m.to assess the situation. A marine surveyor and WT Drilling of Natchez, Miss., an oil spill response organization, are also on scene. Containment boom and sorbent material have been deployed around the towing vessel and there is light sheening within the boomed area. The cause of the incident is under investigation. (Source: Coast Guard 02/26/17) Natchez is less than 3 miles from Vidalia, La.
UPDATE: The towing vessel Sonny J was raised and dewatered March 5 after it had become partially submerged since Feb. 26 on the Lower Mississippi River near Vidalia, La.
Shipbuilding and maritime related news from the Central Gulf Coast region
