NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard is responding to an collision on the lower Mississippi River near Convent, Louisiana, Monday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received report at approximately 4:00 p.m., the motor vessel Privocean, a 751 foot bulk carrier, broke free from its mooring and drifted down river and collided with the 98 foot towing vessel Texas which was moored at the time. The crew of the Texas taken to hospital for medical evaluation but no injuries were reported at this time.
The Privocean continued to drift down river and also collided with the motor vessel Bravo, an 816 foot tank ship, which was off loading crude oil at the time of the incident. The Bravo was able to complete emergency shutdown procedures before breaking free of her moorings and connection points, causing an oil spill.
The Privocean was able to get underway and anchor at mile marker 162. The Bravo is half a mile down the river from its original position and is anchored with a two tug escort. All vessels are being actively being monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard response teams.
The Mississippi River is closed from mile marker 163 to mile marker 154.
The Texas is currently stable and not taking on water or discharging any oil.
The Bravo currently has a three tug escort, the vessel is stable but taking on water in the ballast tanks. The Bravo’s propeller is currently fouled with a mooring line, but remains stable at anchor with tug escorts.
The facility arms, the source of the discharge, were secured and containment boom was deployed by an Oil Spill Response Organization. Coast Guard response teams along with OMI Environmental Services are currently responding to the spill.
Approximately 126 gallons of oil were spilled on deck of the Bravo, but was contained and is currently being cleaned.
Initial assessments show approximately 420 gallons of oil discharged into the river. The Coast Guard informed the down-river Parish Officials to protect municipal water supplies.
U.S. Coast Guard is actively monitoring the situation of all three vessel and affected areas down river. U.S. Coast Guard will continue to evaluate any potential impacts to the environment.
The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.