LNG Ship Disabled off Cape Cod

The Unified Command at Coast Guard Sector Boston is continuing to monitor and assist the Liquefied Natural Gas tanker Catalunya Spirit, which lost propulsion and became disabled and adrift east of Cape Cod Monday morning.

Teekay Corporation, which operates the Catalunya Spirit, contracted four tugboats and three technical representatives to assist the tanker. The tugboats Freedom and Liberty arrived on scene with the tanker about 10 p.m., Monday. The Freedom placed the Catalunya Spirit under tow, stopping the tanker's southeasterly movement, and is slowly heading west to a temporary offshore location, while conducting repairs.

The tug Iona McAllister is also on scene standing by. The salvage tug, Atlantic Salvor, is expected to arrive at 1 p.m., Tuesday to assist as necessary.

A Coast Guard marine inspector and two contracted technical representatives are on the Catalunya Spirit and an additional Coast Guard marine inspector is aboard the tug Liberty, which is on scene with the tanker. Today, an aircrew from Air Station Cape Cod is scheduled to transport a class society representative from Lloyds, and an additional technical representative, and additional Coast Guard personnel.

Though the vessel has not suffered any structural damage or released any substance, as part of the response plan, Coast Guard Sector Boston has notified the National Strike Team and is helping to coordinate salvage and pollution response assets. Additionally, the Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba is on scene.

The Maine Responder, the New Jersey Responder, and the Delaware Responder are en route to be available if needed.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is assisting in the unified command, which continues to ensure comprehensive measures are in place to minimize risk to the marine environment and public safety in the event of an incident.