The U.S. Coast Guard is responding to a report of acrylonitrile in the Mississippi River, near mile marker 775.5, one mile north of the Hachie River inlet. At approximately 9 p.m., July 26, watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Lower Mississippi River received a report from the master of the Merrick Jones, a 128-ft towing vessel pushing 26 barges, that a collision had occurred involving the Merrick Jones and the Dixie Express, an 87-ft towing barge pushing two barges of acrylonitrile. A marine and pollution investigation team from Sector Lower Mississippi River were dispatched to assess the incident. An unknown amount of acrylonitrile was released into the water after one of the barges being pushed by the Dixie Express was damaged in the incident. The source of the spill has been secured.
