Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009

Runaway barge grounded off Va

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- A runaway 570-foot barge remains grounded off a section of Virginia Beach.

The barge broke free during the height of a wind-driven rain storm that slammed Virginia's coast. The Coast Guard reported Saturday that the barge did not drift during the night, but could be nudged by tides and winds.

The vessel is about a football-field's length away from the fishing pier at Little Island.

Officials have said the barge is laden with chemicals but have not stated their specific contents. The Coast Guard said there is no evidence of any chemical leakage.

Crews are hopeful the vessel can remain where it is until it can be towed away.