The following is text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(NEW ORLEANS) — The Coast Guard and local agencies are responding to a barge leaking biodiesel near mile marker 93 on the Lower Mississippi River near New Orleans on Sunday.
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans watch standers received a report at 6 a.m. of the uninspected towing vessel Dixie Express with two loaded red-flag barges moored at industrial locks when an underway vessel reportedly caused a wake that resulted in the breakaway of one of the barges. The barge struck the concrete wharf wall resulting in a hole in the barge that has discharged an estimated 9,700 gallons of biodiesel. The maximum potential is 21,150 gallons of biodiesel.
OMI Environmental Solutions has deployed boom and applied absorbent pads to mitigate the spread of oil. The leak is reportedly stopped.
Involved in the response are Coast Guard Sector New Orleans and OMI Environmental Solutions.
No injuries were reported and no waterway restrictions have been issued.
