Coast Guard closes lower Mississippi River

DATE: October 4, 2009 8:26:04 AM CDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

News Release	Date: Oct. 4, 2009 Contact: Petty Officer 3rd Class Casey J. Ranel (618) 225-9008
Coast Guard closes lower Mississippi River
GREENVILLE, Miss. — The Coast Guard has closed the Mississippi River to all vessel traffic from mile marker 531 to 541 as the result of a towing vessel allision at approximately 5:20 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009. The allision between the towing vessel C. B. Ford and the Old Greenville Bridge resulted in six rock barges breaking free. Five of the adrift barges have been recovered. The one adrift barge is in the processing of being recovered by assist vessels. There are no reports of injuries or pollution and the incident is under investigation. ### Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790. The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.