The U.S. Coast Guard reported at 10 am Jan. 25 that it was responding to a barge breakaway at mile marker 501.6 near Greenville, Mississippi, which included a sinking UAN barge. The Mississippi River is closed from mile marker 503 to mile marker 490.
The Coast Guard reports that the tow vessel Big J.O. struck the bank of the Mississippi River, resulting in four empty barges and two barges loaded with UAN breaking loose. According to the Coast Guard, one of the loaded barges is reportedly sinking. Four barges have been secured.
Good Samaritan vessels are assisting to retrieve the remaining unsecured barge. The cause of the incident is under investigation.