Mobile Ship Channel Reopens Following Ship Grounding

MarineLink.com April 8, 2014

The container ship MSC Kyoto heaves-to aground outside the Mobile Ship Channel, April 7, 2014. The MSC Kyoto reportedly experienced a steering failure. (USCG photo)

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) reopened the Mobile Ship Channel to all deep-draft commercial vessel traffic at approximately 5 p.m. Monday.

The USCG restricted vessel traffic at about 3 a.m. Monday, after the container vessel MSC KYOTO grounded outside the channel.

MSC KYOTO's owner contracted the towing vessels Hawk and Escambia to assist in freeing the vessel. In combination with high tide, the two tugs were able to tow the vessel back into the channel after more than 12 hours aground.

There are still no reports of pollution or injuries.

"Coast Guard Sector personnel and patrol boats were able to respond quickly and efficiently to ultimately restore the full flow of commerce to the Port of Mobile," said Cmdr. Scott Muller, Coast Guard Sector Mobile. "Our marine casualty investigators initiated an investigation of the vessel's grounding. The goal is to find out what happened and why, so we can prevent similar accidents occurring in the future."

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

uscgnews.com