The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(NEW ORLEANS) — The Coast Guard is conducting shore-side patrols along the banks of Port Allen, La., Monday, to look for further impact from an allision on the Mississippi River between a towing vessel and a moored barge in the vicinity of Port Allen.
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans watchstanders received the initial report of an allision that caused an estimated 2,100 gallons of vacuum gas oil to leak into the Mississippi River at approximately 5:30 a.m., Sunday. Sector New Orleans contacted pollution investigators from Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge, La., to investigate the incident.
An oil spill response organization has cleaned up 385 gallons of vacuum gas oil from the river, and there is no longer any visible trace of the product.
“Our main concern is the potential risks to the general public, the environment and the workers on scene,” said Lt.j.g. Brian Dochtermann, assistant chief of the inspections division for Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge. “Coast Guard oversight of this incident will help ensure appropriate actions are taken for the safe and effective cleanup of the product.”
There were no injuries or waterway closures, and the Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the allision.
