U.S. Coast Guard: Panama-flagged bulk carrier loses propulsion
- Published
by Admin
The Panama-flagged bulk carrier GDF Suez North Sea encountered a loss of propulsion over 100 miles (160 kilometres) offshore in the Atlantic Ocean and had to be towed from the location into the port of New York and New Jersey on Tuesday (21 August), says the U.S. Coast Guard.
It issued a report:
By Thursday night, the vessel’s crew determined they were unable to affect repairs, and the Coast Guard began facilitating an offshore salvage operation. A HC-144A Ocean Sentry aircraft from Air Station Cape Cod arrived on scene at approximately 10:45 a.m., Friday, to establish communications with the vessel and assess its condition.
The parent company of GDF Suez North Sea dispatched the tug Atlantic Salvor from the Port of New York and New Jersey to rendezvous with the vessel over 100 miles offshore and take her under tow. The Atlantic Salvor began towing operations towards New York around 12:30 p.m., Friday. Coast Guard Sector New York personnel closely monitored the vessel’s transit through busy offshore shipping lanes.
Upon arrival to Ambrose Channel, the Coast Guard directed the use of at least three tugs to tow the disabled vessel into New York Harbor and to its berth in Newark.
On Sunday, August 26, Coast Guard Sector New York’s Vessel Traffic Service coordinated and managed the complex towing evolution through New York Harbor, and Coast Guard personnel from Station New York provided a safety escort.
The 611-foot GDF Suez North Sea was carrying cement cargo when the incident happened, and the cause of the vessel’s loss of propulsion remains under investigation.
“There is nothing routine about taking a loaded freighter under tow offshore and bringing her safely into port,” said Capt. Jason Tama, commander of Coast Guard Sector New York.
“This was a successful team effort involving a number of port partners and commercial salvage assets from the Port of New York and New Jersey. We are grateful to all involved for their professionalism and duty to protect the crew, the vessel, and the port.”
Photo credit: U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York/Released
Published: 28 August, 2018
