Part of Mississippi River closed after barge sinks

TRANSYLVANIA, La. – The Coast Guard says a section of the Mississippi River in north Louisiana has been closed after 35 barges pushed by a towboat broke free and one sank in the river channel.

The towing vessel Sally Bromfield lost its barges at about 1:30 a.m. Thursday, according to the Coast Guard.

A coal barge sank inside the channel at mile marker 468 on the river. Another barge is partially submerged and eight others were damaged. The barges were carrying dry cargo.

The Coast Guard has closed the Mississippi between mile marker 469 and mile marker 464. The Coast Guard says it is investigating the incident.