Coast Guard Investigates Grounding of Bulk Carrier

U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco is investigating the grounding of the 602-ft. Norweigan bulk carrier SPAR LYRA in the San Joaquin River. The SPAR LYRA was fully-loaded with petroleum coke when it broke free from its moorings at the Pittsburg Tesoro Refinery pier. The vessel is now soft aground on Brown's Island in New York Slough of the San Joaquin River. There has been no pollution and the vessel's fuel tanks are being constantly monitored for signs of discharge. With tugboats alongside to assist maneuvering, the SPAR LYRA will attempt to refloat and then moor again at the Pittsburg Tesoro pier.

A Coast Guard captain of the port order has been issued to the SPAR LYRA, requiring an underwater hull survey. The hull survey must be approved by the vessel's class society and the captain of the port order must be rescinded prior to SPAR LYRA getting underway. The cause of this incident is not yet known and is being investigated by the Coast Guard.