Gravel stuck on top of bubble column elevator

I was creating a single block bubble column elevator, riding the water while digging straight up.   I hit a pocket of gravel and it fell down into the water but didn't break into items. The full block appears to be bobbing up and down on the top of the water occupying the same space as me.  I filled the tunnel to the top to keep mining up but the block is preventing me from using my tools.  I can't dig the gravel or mine the blocks around me.  If I place a torch on the wall the gravel block becomes invisible but I still can't target blocks with my tools or dig with my empty hand.  I tried reloading the game or entering creative mode but nothing changed.  It seems I'm completely stuck.   I attached a screenshot but its dark and hard to see what is happening.