The following is text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(NEW ORLEANS) — The Coast Guard is responding to a sunken towing vessel Tuesday near the Kentucky Lock and Dam on the Tennessee River.
Watch standers at Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley received a report at approximately 10 p.m. Monday that the inspected towing vessel Tom Bussler capsized at mile marker 15 on the Tennessee River.
The inspected towing vessel George Leavell recovered the two crewmembers who were on board and transferred them to Calvert City Landing, where they were transported to Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Ky., in stable condition.
Tom Bussler has approximately 4,100 gallons of diesel on board. There have been no reports of oil sheening in the water.
A Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Paducah 29-foot response boat-small boat crew is on scene.
The Kentucky Lock and Dam at mile marker 22 on the Tennessee River has ceased locking operations due to the sunken vessel. McGinnish Marine will develop a salvage plan for the vessel.
