The following is text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(PADUCAH, Ky.) — The Coast Guard is responding to a tow boat that sunk in the Tennessee River at approximately mile marker 11.5 today.
Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Paducah was notified that the tow boat Janet Leavell had sank at approximately 12:45 p.m., and is coordinating efforts with Wepfer Marine and the State and Federal Environmental Protection Agencies.
The vessel’s owner has contracted divers who are en-route to attempt to seal vents to minimize pollution in the river.
Containment boom has been deployed around the vessel to prevent the spread of oil and fuel.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
