The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has reopened the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri, after the towing vessel 'Jim Marko' sank earlier in the week.
Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi River received a report that the towing vessel 'Jim Marko sank' near the Stan Musial Memorial Bridge.
The vessel sank with a reported 37,800 litres of diesel fuel aboard.
Pollution responders and marine investigators from Sector Upper Mississippi River responded in coordination with the St Louis Fire Department, the US Army Corps of Engineers and the St Louis Metro Air Support Unit.
Due to high water and rapid currents in the port of St Louis, salvage of the vessel will be delayed until river conditions are safe to do so, commented the USCG.
However, the coast guard is working with the federal, state and local agencies to monitor the situation. A pollution response team is also on standby.
The 'Jim Marko' is a 21.3-metre towboat owned by Mike's Marine and operated by Osage Marine.
The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the incident. There were no injuries reported.
