JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Water vessels were moving cautiously today through a section of the Mississippi River where a barge was leaking oil as Coast Guard officials attempted to ease the economic impact of shutting down one of the nation’s vital commerce routes.

Crews on Wednesday began pumping oil from the leaking barge onto another barge — a process known as lightering — but the transfer operation was suspended at night because it’s safer and easier to see if any oil is escaping during the day, said Chief Petty Officer Paul Roszkowski.

The river is not expected to reopen fully before the transfer and cleanup is complete.

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