Deep-draft ship grounded on Miss.

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard has responded to a grounded vessel in the Lower Mississippi River near New Orleans early Friday, Jan. 4. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a report at 8:32 a.m. that the 837-foot UK-flagged deep-draft vessel Anglo Alexandria had grounded in the Mississippi River at mile marker 3.5, and was blocking the navigation channel. A tug is currently on-scene. The river is closed at mile marker 3.5. There were more than 50 vessels waiting in queue to transit in or out of the river. This number is larger than normal due to dense fog in the area. The vessel has activated its Vessel Response Plan. There are no current reports of pollution or injuries. The incident is under investigation. (Source: Coast Guard 01/04/19) UPDATE: The Coast Guard has reopened the Lower Mississippi River at mile marker 3.5 with restrictions near New Orleans, Friday.