Ellington

VICKSBURG, Miss. (AP) — Authorities say the barge that sank after hitting a bridge on the Mississippi River at Vicksburg poses no dangers to shipping or the environment.

Coast Guard Capt. Bill Drelling said Tuesday that the barge is in 80 feet of water so there's no risk of other barges hitting it.

No decision has been made on removing the barge from the river.

Drelling said it was carrying petroleum coke, a byproduct of the oil refinement process. He said petroleum coke is not a danger to the environment.

Drelling said coal is being removed from two other barges. One is pinned down river against the bank and the other is stuck on a dike.

He said the coal will be removed and the barges taken in for repairs.