Tanker Spills Oil in Louisiana

A Dutch flagged product tanker has reportedly discharged 2,600 gallons of heavy fuel oil into the Mississippi River near Norco, La., Monday. The cause of the spill is under investigation.

The U.S. Coast Guard said it is responding to the incident after its watchstanders in New Orleans received a report of the oil discharge from the vessel Iver Exporter at approximately 1 a.m.

The source of the discharge near mile marker 126 on the Lower Mississippi River is reported to be secured, and the 183-meter vessel is currently moored at the Shell Norco Manufacturing Complex.

There are no waterway closures or restrictions due to the incident, and there are no reported injuries or impacts to wildlife. The Coast Guard will conduct an overflight to better assess impacted areas.

The oil spill response organization OMI Environmental Solutions is on scene and responding to the spill.