The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(NEW ORLEANS) — The Coast Guard is responding to a barge grounding on the Intracoastal Waterway near Houma, La., on Tuesday.
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a report at 8:10 p.m. that the uninspected towing vessel Native Dancer’s lead starboard barge allided with a concrete barrier on the Intracoastal Waterway near mile marker 57.5. Six barges broke loose.
The waterway is closed in that vicinity.
Three of the six barges have been secured. Company personnel are on scene evaluating the incident.
Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Houma is investigating and launched a 29-foot response boat-small boat crew out of Morgan City to assist with traffic.
There have been no reports of pollution or injuries.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
