Drifting bulker causes barge breakaway on Lower Mississippi

The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:

(NEW ORLEANS) — The Coast Guard has reopened the Lower Mississippi River from mile marker 161 to 163 near Donaldsonville, La., to vessel traffic on Thursday.

Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a report that the motor vessel Rio Tamara broke free from its moorings at mile marker 162. The vessel drifted across the river to the Welcome Fleet and caused 10 barges to break free.

The river was closed to vessel traffic until the assist tugs in the area returned the barges to the fleet.

An assisting vessel transferred a pilot to Rio Tamara so the vessel could be taken to Grandview Anchorage.

No pollution or injuries were reported.

Editor's note: Rio Tamara is a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier.

By Professional Mariner Staff