Damaged barge challenges Coast Guard off Louisiana

Damaged barge challenges Coast Guard off Louisiana    The U.S. Coast Guard is attempting to stop a petroleum leak from a damaged tank barge 30 miles south of Calcasieu Pass, La.
   The barge “DBL 152,” transporting about 5 million gallons of heavy petroleum, was en route from Houston to Tampa, Fla., on Nov. 10 when it struck some debris in the water. The barge suffered a 35-foot by six-foot gouge in its starboard bow.
   The Coast Guard rushed to secure the barge and contain the leak. The owner of the barge, New York-based K-Sea Transportation, has conducted a stability assessment, and dive and salvage operations are in progress. According to the Coast Guard, the barge is listing about 50 degrees to starboard and its bow is resting on the bottom in 55 feet of water.
   The Coast Guard said the barge is not obstructing marine traffic and all area waterways remain open.