Grounded Bulk Ship Awaits Lightering

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) reports it continues to work with state and local partners Monday to oversee freeing a bulk carrier loaded with sulfur that ran aground May 26, while transiting outbound from Neches Industrial Park off Port Arthur, Texas.

Responders determined the ship would need to be lightered in order to refloat it. The owners continue to coordinate with local partners to get the resources on scene as weather permits. Once the resources are in place they will begin lightering the ship, or off-loading cargo, to make it easier to refloat.

Once the vessel is free, an underwater survey will be conducted to verify no damage to the hull.

"The vessel is stable and remains outside of the channel, approximately 1 mile from buoys 33 and 34," said Cmdr. Randy Jenkins, the operations section chief in the incident command. "There is currently no danger to vessel traffic as the vessel remains aground outside the channel. Operations continue to progress in accordance with the salvage plan in place."

No damage or pollution discharge has been reported.

The USCG continues to investigate the incident.