Attempts to float grounded ship to begin

Attempts to float grounded ship to begin

The US Coastguard reports that operations are scheduled to begin today to transfer coal from the bulk carrier MONTROSE which stranded in Chesapeake Bay this week.

The 712-foot cargo ship Montrose, carrying 74,215 metric tons of coal, ran soft aground Wednesday near Sharps Island, Md.

The lightering operation should begin Sunday morning. Once afloat, the ship will be taken to safe anchorage for inspection.

The Coast Guard Cutter Cochito, an 87-foot patrol boat home ported in Portsmouth, Va., is enforcing a 500-yard safety zone for the ship.

The coast guard say that here have been no reports of pollution or injuries. However, it reminds people that the transfer of coal will generate dust in the air and may cause discolouration in the water.

There have been two attempts to move the vessel utilising tugboats from the Moran Towing company, but these have been unsuccessful. It is hoped that by removing some of the cargo the vessel will be light enough to float free from the sandbank she is stuck on.

Photo from the US Coast Guard shows the ship stuck fast. The coast guard say they expect the operation to unload the ship to take about 36 hours.

The 38731 grt MONTROSE is operated by Seaarland Shipping Management Ges.m.b.H., Austria and was built in 2002 by Sanoyas Hishino Meisho, Japan.