Search resumes for 2 missing in Mississippi River

HICKMAN — The search has resumed for two men reported missing in the Mississippi River in northeast Arkansas after a barge overturned and sank.

U.S. Coast Guard spokesman Bill Colclough said the search resumed Wednesday morning for the two missing men near Blytheville, about 60 miles north of Memphis. He said the barge was carrying about 700,000 pounds of steel coil and was unloading at an energy company's terminal when it overturned Tuesday.

Colclough said the barge was being unloaded when it lifted to its right side and sank. He said the cause of the ship's overturning is still under investigation.

An Arkansas Game and Fish Commission spokesman said a third person was reported on the barge, but escaped to safety before the commercial vessel sank.

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