Mississippi River barges break loose, repairs in progress

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - The U.S. Coast Guard was called into action as two Mississippi River barges broke away and floated down the river on Sunday, December 5, around 9:20 a.m.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, two assisted vessels ran aground on mile marker 53 near the Cape Girardeau area.

Currently, the barges are being corralled and put back into a tow.

The U.S. Coast Guard said its main objective is to get the barges secured again so that they don’t continue floating down the river.

They expect the barges to be tied off within a few hours.

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