Mississippi River Open To All Shipping

The Mississippi River is open to all ships - and except for the 20 miles nearest its mouth, for 24 hours a day, the Coast Guard said. Until Monday afternoon, ships could move only during the day from New Orleans to the river's mouth, because so many buoys and other navigation aids had been blown away by Hurricane Katrina. It remained in effect Monday afternoon only from the mouth of the river to Head of Passes, near Pilottown, Coast Guard Lt. Melissa Owen said. Two obstructions at the mouth of the river, usually dredged to 45 feet, prevented the biggest ships from moving in and out. The obstructions were removed Sunday, and the depth restriction canceled Sunday evening.