The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(NEW ORLEANS) — The Coast Guard is responding to a barge allision at mile marker 435.8 on the Mississippi River near Vicksburg, Miss., on Thursday.
The towing vessel Robert D. Byrd allided with the Vicksburg Railroad Bridge at 7:44 a.m.
No barges were reported to have broken free.
The Mississippi River is open to traffic in the area.
The Vicksburg Railroad Bridge will remain closed until a safety inspection is completed by the Vicksburg Bridge Commission and the state of Mississippi.
This is the third bridge allision in three days. The Coast Guard is evaluating additional navigation safety measures in order to reduce the potential for future marine accidents.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
