The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(MEMPHIS) — The Coast Guard is investigating a barge allision at mile marker 661.7 on the Lower Mississippi River, near Helena, Ark., on Tuesday.
The vessel Cynthia G. Esper reportedly allided with the pier of the Helena Highway Bridge, after which four barges of denatured alcohol it was transporting broke away from the towboat at 10:12 p.m.
The damaged barges reportedly contain 2,472,162 gallons of denatured alcohol. The barges were reportedly secured at 3:36 a.m., with damage found to two barges, which are reportedly taking on water.
The Coast Guard is working with the responsible party to conduct lightering operations of the damaged barges.
