Please see below and attached updated MSIB from USCG for the temporary river closure at MM  108-111.  Understand the river is now open to navigation in that area with the restriction as per the MSIB.

Waterway Status – Temporary Closure MM 108 – 111, AHP LMR -- Update 2

Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Lower Mississippi River, in accordance with the Navigation Safety Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations Title 33, Subpart 161.11, has established a VTS measure for all waters of the Lower Mississippi River from Mile Marker (MM) 108 to MM 111, Above Head of Passes (AHP). These measures are needed to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with a sunken barge located at approximately MM 110.

From MM 109.5 to MM 110.5, the following vessel traffic restrictions are in place:

·       All vessels shall transit at their slowest safe speed

·       All vessels shall avoid meeting or overtaking in this area

·       Southbound Deep Draft vessels will be limited to daylight only transits

The Coast Guard will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates when available. Updates and/or changes to the waterway status will be broadcast via Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB), Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNM), and/or industry-wide email.

For further information, contact the following:

Vessel Traffic Service (24 hours): (504) 365-2514, VHF-FM Ch. 1005 (05A), 12, or 67

Sector New Orleans Command Center (24 hours): (504) 365-2545

Sector New Orleans Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280 or WWMNOLA@uscg.mil

CAPTAIN G. A. CALLAGHAN