Cargo Vessel Grounded in Chesapeake Bay after Losing Propulsion
On August 16, 2023, at approximately 10:15 AM, the bulk cargo vessel Ever Forward ran aground in the Chesapeake Bay near the entrance to the Port of Baltimore. The vessel was en route from Baltimore to Norfolk, Virginia, when it lost propulsion and drifted off course.
The grounding occurred in the Craighill Channel, a narrow waterway used by large ships entering and leaving Baltimore Harbor. The Ever Forward is approximately 1,100 feet long and 175 feet wide, with a cargo capacity of approximately 100,000 tons. At the time of the grounding, the vessel was carrying a load of soybeans.
The Coast Guard, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and other agencies responded to the incident and established a safety zone around the vessel. No injuries or pollution have been reported.
Vessel Refloating Efforts
Efforts to refloat the Ever Forward began immediately after the grounding. The Coast Guard has deployed several vessels, including tugs and salvage equipment, to assist in the operation. The Maryland Department of Transportation has also provided assistance.
The refloating operation is expected to take several days or even weeks, depending on the severity of the grounding and weather conditions. The Coast Guard is monitoring the situation closely and is working to remove the vessel as quickly and safely as possible.
Potential Impacts
The grounding of the Ever Forward has disrupted shipping operations in the Chesapeake Bay and could have a significant economic impact on the region. The Port of Baltimore is one of the busiest ports in the United States, and the grounding has caused delays and cancellations for vessels trying to enter and leave the port.
The grounding could also have environmental impacts. The Chesapeake Bay is home to a variety of marine life, and the grounding could potentially damage sensitive habitats. The Coast Guard is working to assess the environmental impact of the incident and is taking steps to minimize any damage.
Investigation
The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the grounding. Preliminary reports indicate that the vessel lost propulsion due to a mechanical failure. Investigators are examining the vessel's systems and interviewing the crew to determine the exact cause of the failure.
Conclusion
The grounding of the Ever Forward is a serious incident that has disrupted shipping operations and could have a significant economic and environmental impact on the region. The Coast Guard is working to refloat the vessel as quickly and safely as possible and is investigating the cause of the grounding.
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