Coast Guard responds to vessel collision on Mississippi River

DATE: March 30, 2007 12:02:19 PM CDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release	Date: March. 30, 2007 Contact: PA3 Tom Atkeson (504) 671-2020
COAST GUARD RESPONDS TO VESSEL COLLISION ON MISSISSIPPI RIVER
NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard is responding today to a reported collision between a passenger vessel and a towing vessel on the Mississippi River in the Kenner, La., bend. The passenger vessel River Explorer and the UTV James E. Nevin reportedly collided at approximately 10:30 a.m., near mile marker 115, located between the Huey P. Long bridge and the Luling Bridge. The River Explorer, which has 160 people aboard, was damaged and is reportedly taking on water through a hole near the water line in the hull of the vessel. The River Explorer is currently positioned on the river bank and the vessel's pumps are keeping up with the incoming water. No injuries or people in the water were reported. The owners of the River Explorer are creating a plan to disembark the passengers. The Coast Guard dispatched an HH-65C Dolphin rescue helicopter crew from Air Station New Orleans and investigating officers from Sector New Orleans to investigate. The cause of the incident is under investigation. ###