According to the US Coast Guard (USCG) the407-gt tug Salvor (built 1963) is escorting the 34,200-dwt Orsula(ex- Federal Calumet, built 1996)to Montreal but it’s unclear if repairs will be needed.
A spokeswoman tells TradeWinds there was“minimal damage” to the vessel’s hull and propeller even though an initialassessment performed by a team of divers had determined the damage was what astatement described as “severe”.
While an investigation into the cause ofthe incident is ongoing the USCG noted the operator of the bulker, its masterand crew are unlikely to face penalties unless property was damaged or the casualtywas the result negligence.
Authorities say the Orsula wastransporting more than 20,000 metric tonnes of wheat from Duluth, Minnesota toMontreal when it ran aground near Tibbetts Point, New York at the entrance ofthe St Lawrence Seaway just days before it was due to close for the season.
The salvage operation was conducted by McKeilMarine with the assistance of the USCG. While the vessel’s bunker fuel waslightered to a barge before it could be refloated the spokeswoman was not surewhether some of the cargo was removed as well.
Authoritiessay the bulker did not pose a risk to commercial traffic and claim nopollution, flooding or injuries associated with the incident were reported butadmit a contractor that specialises in oil spill removal was called to thescene as a precaution.
The Orsula is managed by Canadian bulkeroperator Fednav, owned by an affiliate of AtlantskaPlovidba ofCroatia, flagged in the Marshall Islands, classed by Det Norske Veritas andmaintains protection-and-indemnity coverage with the UK P&I Club, accordingto Equasis.
