Scrap shippers and consumers using the inland waterway system may face delays for the next several days, particularly if they ship through the Gulf of Mexico.
According to an AP report, a 178-foot ship involved in a Sat., Feb. 21 collision is now obstructing the only channel deep enough for large oceangoing ships to make their way to and from the Gulf of Mexico and the lower Mississippi River.
An official with the Port of New Orleans was quoted as saying that reopening the channel could take until Weds., Feb. 25, and that it will then take several more days to resolve backed up traffic problems.
As of Monday, more than 40 cargo ships were reportedly waiting to sail out into the Gulf, with an equal number stacked up waiting to enter the Mississippi River.
The accident reportedly occurred in a heavy fog, and has resulted in five sailors from the partially submerged oil rig supply vessel reported as missing.