The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(NEW ORLEANS) — The towing vessel, Sonny J, has been raised and dewatered after it was partially submerged on the Lower Mississippi River near Vidalia, La., on Sunday.
Watch standers at Coast Guard Sector Lower Mississippi River received a report at approximately 3 a.m. that the towing vessel Sonny J was partially submerged near Vidalia, La., with approximately 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board, Feb. 26.
Members from Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Vicksburg, an oil spill response organization, a marine surveyor, and the salvage company, J.O. Smith, are on scene.
Containment boom and sorbent material have been deployed around the towing vessel.
There is no reported pollution.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
PREVIOUS REPORT
(NEW ORLEANS) — The Coast Guard is responding to a partially submerged towing vessel on the Lower Mississippi River near Vidalia, La., on Sunday.
Watch standers at Coast Guard Sector Lower Mississippi River received a report at approximately 3 a.m. that the towing vessel Sonny J was partially submerged near Vidalia, La., with approximately 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board.
The vessel’s fuel tank vents are above water and have been plugged.
Members from Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Vicksburg arrived on scene at approximately 8 a.m. to assess the situation.
A marine surveyor and WT Drilling, an oil spill response organization, are on scene as well.
Containment boom and sorbent material have been deployed around the towing vessel and there is light sheening within the boomed area.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
