A 22-barge breakaway hit three vessels and caused the closure of part of the Mississippi River.

According to the US Coast Guard (USCG) the incident took place at the 54 mile marker on the Mississippi River near West Point a la Hache.

The USCG said three deep-drafted vessels transiting the river were damaged by the breakaway barges and one lost part of its cargo of soy beans. All three vessels have now been safely anchored.

The river has been closed between the 51 and 54 mile marker.

“The Coast Guard continues to work with the responsible party to ensure all barges are accounted for. The cause of the incident is under investigation,” USCG said.