Coast Guard Investigates Diesel Spill

Coast Guard marine safety personnel are investigating a reported diesel fuel spill at mile marker 158 in the Lower Mississippi River, near St. James, La. Crewmembers of the tug Tom Jump, of St. Louis, Mo., were reportedly transferring fuel between compartments when approximately 950 gallons spilled into the water. Boom, which is a floating device used to contain oil, was deployed to control the spread of the product. There were no injuries reported. A broadcast will be issued on VHF-FM radio channel 16 to alert mariners of the spill. A helicopter crew from Air Station New Orleans is en route to provide an aerial survey of the spill site. Personnel from Marine Safety Office New Orleans will be investigating the incident.