Update 2: Coast Guard monitoring transit of sunken vessel

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Heartland Contact: 8th District Public Affairs Office: [phone] After Hours: [phone] Eighth District online newsroom January 30, 2018

Update 2: Coast Guard monitoring transit of sunken vessel

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The Coast Guard is monitoring the transit of the vessel Virginia Renee from mile marker 823 on the lower Mississippi River near Blytheville, Arkansas, Tuesday.

The Virginia Renee departed Sunday in tow by the motor vessel John Wepfer to repair facilities operated by the National Maintenance Repair in Paducah, Kentucky, on the Tennessee River. Okie Moore Diving and Marine Salvage have pumps on board the Virginia Renee and continue monitor the vessel.

The Virginia Renee was raised and dewatered Saturday. No additional pollution was reported. The vessel's fuel tanks were pumped to trucks on shore.

Approximately 4,000 gallons of diesel was discharged into the river and Enhanced Environmental and Emergency Services recovered an estimated 3,400 gallons of diesel oil with boom and absorbent pads.

Coast Guard Sector Lower Mississippi River watchstanders were notified by Terral River Service at 5:35 a.m. Wednesday of the Virginia Renee sunk at its mooring at Hickman Landing. The Virginia Renee has a reported 10,000 gallons of diesel aboard.

Involved in the response is:

- Sector Lower Mississippi River

- Enhanced Environmental and Emergency Services

- Budwine & Associates, Inc.

- Okie Moore Salvage

The Coast Guard is investigating the incident.

-USCG-