The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(MEMPHIS, Tenn.) — The Coast Guard is monitoring the transit of the vessel Virginia Renee from mile marker 823 on the Lower Mississippi River near Blytheville, Ark., on Jan. 30.
Virginia Renee departed Sunday in tow by the motor vessel John Wepfer to repair facilities operated by the National Maintenance Repair in Paducah, Ky., on the Tennessee River. Okie Moore Diving and Marine Salvage have pumps on board Virginia Renee and continue monitor the vessel.
Virginia Renee was raised and dewatered Saturday. No additional pollution was reported. The vessel’s fuel tanks were pumped to trucks on shore.
Approximately 4,000 gallons of diesel was discharged into the river and Enhanced Environmental and Emergency Services recovered an estimated 3,400 gallons of diesel oil with boom and absorbent pads.
Coast Guard Sector Lower Mississippi River watch standers were notified by Terral River Service at 5:35 a.m. Wednesday that Virginia Renee sunk at its mooring at Hickman Landing. Virginia Renee has a reported 10,000 gallons of diesel aboard.
Involved in the response is Sector Lower Mississippi River, Enhanced Environmental and Emergency Services, Budwine & Associates Inc., and Okie Moore Salvage.
The Coast Guard is investigating the incident.
PREVIOUS REPORT
(MEMPHIS, Tenn.) — The Coast Guard is responding to a sunken vessel discharging oil near mile marker 823 on the Lower Mississippi River near Blytheville, Ark., on Wednesday.
Coast Guard Sector Lower Mississippi River watch standers were notified by Terral River Service at 5:35 a.m. of the uninspected towing vessel Virginia Renee sunk at its mooring at Hickman Landing. Virginia Renee has a reported 10,000 gallons of diesel aboard.
Involved in the response are Sector Lower Mississippi River, Enhanced Environmental and Emergency Services (E3), Budwine & Associates Inc. and Big River Shipbuilders.
Boom and absorbent pads are being used to mitigate the spread of product and divers are on scene. A plan is being developed to salvage the vessel.
The Coast Guard is investigating the incident.
