Red flag barge leaking near NOLA

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard and local agencies responded March 25 to a barge leaking biodiesel near mile marker 93 on the lower Mississippi River near New Orleans. CG Sector New Orleans got a report at 6 a.m. of an uninspected towing vessel Dixie Express with two loaded red flag barges moored at industrial locks when an underway vessel reportedly caused a wake that resulted in the breakaway of one of the barges. The barge struck a concrete wharf wall resulting in a hole in the barge that has discharged an estimated 9,700 gallons of biodiesel. The maximum potential is 21,150 gallons. OMI has deployed booms and absorbent pads to mitigate the spread of oil. The leak is reportedly stopped. No injuries were reported and no waterway restrictions have been issued. (Coast Guard 03/25/18)