Office of External Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Date: July 23, 2008

Contact:  PA3 Jaclyn Young
(618) 225-9008

UPDATE: COAST GUARD RESPONDS TO SPILL ON MISSISSIPPI RIVER

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard has closed the Lower Mississippi River to all vessel traffic from mile marker 99 to mile marker 70, above Head of Passes, following the release of approximately 419, 286 gallons of #6 fuel oil that was spilled in the water when the chemical tank ship, Tintomara, collided with an American Commercial Lines barge which was being pushed by the tug boat, Mel Oliver, at approximately 1:30 a.m. 

Coast Guard Sector New Orleans launched personnel from their Response and Prevention Departments, the Gulf Strike Team, a HH-65C helicopter from Air Station New Orleans, a 41-foot boat from Station New Orleans and the 87-foot patrol boat Razorbill to the scene. 

The Coast Guard is working with La. Department of Environmental Quality, the La. Oil Spill Coordination Office, oil spill response organizations, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to address the spill.

The incident is under investigation.

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U.S. Coast Guard - Saving lives since 1790