Coast Guard Investigates Vessel Collision

Two miles of Mississippi River are closed as Coast Guard investigators from Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge respond to a vessel collision near Geismer, La. The tank ship Stolt Creativity and the Norb Whitlock collided, while crossing near Geismer. The collision resulted in one of the Whitlock's 16 barges, which was loaded with salt, sinking approximately 800 feet from the right descending bank. The river is closed for a two mile stretch between mile markers 182 and 184, and will remain closed until the Coast Guard is able to determine the location of the salt barge and if navigation through the area is safe. Both vessels were traveling up river at the time of the collision, which occurred just after 1:00 P.M.. No pollution or injuries resulted from the collision. The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the incident.