The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(NEW ORLEANS) — The Coast Guard established a safety zone on the Mississippi River early this morning from mile marker 101 to mile marker 102 permitting only one vessel to pass at a time due to a sunken 56-foot towing vessel, Ruby E, at mile marker 101.8 near Westwego, La.
The Coast Guard is working with the Army Corps of Engineers to fully reopen the waterway to vessel traffic. Coast Guard inspectors are on scene aboard the motor vessel General Kelly which is operated by the Port of New Orleans to assess the situation and develop a salvage plan for the Ruby E.
No injuries have been reported.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
