Crippled MSC Container Ship Monitored by USCG

Coastguard monitors safety aspects as MSC hire Donjon-Smit to make a salvage assessment of fire-damaged 'MSC Idil' off the Puerto Rico coast

The coastguard reports as follows:

The 900-foot container ship suffered an explosion onboard late Friday afternoon, approximately 60 nautical miles north of Puerto Rico, during its transit to Barcelona, Spain.

The Coast Guard Cutter Key Largo is on scene with the MSC Idil ready to provide any needed rescue assistance, while monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of the crew and the environment.

The crew of the MSC Idil continues to maintain the situation stabilized and is controlling the ship’s stability using onboard water pumps to manage flooding.

The vessel owner, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), has hired commercial salvage company DonJon-Smit to conduct a salvage assessment of the vessel and effect repairs.

Representatives from DonJon-Smit have been on board the vessel since Saturday afternoon to conduct their assessment. Work will continue until a viable course of action to conduct temporary repairs is determined and effected.

The MSC Idil reported the explosion was most likely caused by welding that was taking place on board the vessel also reporting they have full control of their cargo and that they have not released any hazardous materials into the environment but are taking actions to mitigate any potential release.

The container ship is reported to have 588,000 gallons of fuel oil and 62,000 gallons of diesel on board.