Coastal Towing Announces New Refinancing

Coastal Towing, Inc., announced today the consummation of a $28 million senior term loan with the CIT Group/ Equipment Financing, Inc., Heller Financial Leasing, Inc. Pursuant to this transaction, the Company refinanced senior term debt under existing agreements with CIT and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. In addition, the loan will be used to facilitate Coastal?s barge construction program.

Coastal Towing Announces New Corporate Officer Dennis D. Buffo has joined Coastal Towing, Inc., as vice president of maintenance effective October 1. With over 29 years in the maintenance area of the marine industry, he will be responsible for all of Coastal's boat and barge maintenance. Buffo holds a B.S. degree in Marine Engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in King's Point, N.Y. He has worked as a port engineer for Texaco, Inc., vice president of engineering for Sabine Transportation Company and most recently served as vice president and general manager for R&R Marine Maintenance.