Update 2: Coast Guard monitors vessel transit after fire

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 monitors vessel transit after fire

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Coast Guard is monitoring the transit of the vessel George King from mile marker 390 on the lower Mississippi River near Vicksburg, Mississippi, Tuesday.

The George King and its 30 dry cargo barges departed mile marker 390 Friday in tow by the uninspected towing vessel John Paul Eckstein to Wickliffe, Kentucky, for dry dock repairs.

There were no reports of pollution.

Coast Guard Sector Lower Mississippi River watchstanders received a notification at 8:50 p.m. Wednesday regarding the George King reporting an engine room fire with nine crewmembers aboard. The crewmembers abandoned the George King to the dry cargo barges it was pushing with no reported injuries. The C. Michael Reeves was able to push the George King and its barges onto the left descending bank of the Mississippi River.

The George King has an estimated 65,000 gallons of diesel on board.

Involved in the response are:

- Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Vicksburg

- Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

- Budwine & Associates, Inc.

- United States Environmental Services (USES)

The Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.

-USCG-