Lower Mississippi River closed after barge, tanker collide

The U.S. Coast Guard closed the Lower Mississippi River Wednesday to all vessel traffic from mile marker 99 to mile marker 70, following the release of 419,286 gallons of No. 6 fuel oil into the water when the chemical tank ship Tintomara collided with an American Commercial Lines barge which was being pushed by the tug boat Mel Oliver at about 1:30 a.m.

The Coast Guard is working with Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordination Office, oil spill response organizations, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to address the spill. The incident is under investigation.

American Commercial Lines Inc. said, while it is not responsible for the accident, the company is working closely with DRD Towing, the Coast Guard and other authorities in responding to the incident. The immediate focus is on an environmental assessment, containment and clean-up.

American Commercial said the barge was being towed by DRD Towing Co. LLC, of Harvey, La., an independent towing contractor.