The U.S. Coast Guard is monitoring a vessel that lost propulsion and briefly grounded in the vicinity of Welch Island, Wednesday.
The crew of the 738-foot bulk carrier Miyama is currently underway enroute to Kalama north berth, after having effected repairs to their propulsion system, with the tugs Deschutes and Sommer S escorting the vessel.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River received a report from Columbia River Pilots stating the vessel ran aground around 11:20 a.m. The watchstanders directed the launch of an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, out of Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, to survey the vessel and surrounding area. No visible pollution, damage or injuries have been reported.
An initial attempt to refloat the vessel was made during high tide at 1:30 p.m. with the assistance of the tugs, but was unsuccessful. The vessel floated free about 20 minutes later.
The vessel will be attended by personnel from the NKK class society and Coast Guard inspectors prior to resuming any regularly scheduled voyage.
“The Coast Guard is actively monitoring the cargo vessel Miyama as the vessel makes way toward Kalama,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ben Russell, inspections division chief at Marine Safety Unit Portland. “Coast Guard personnel are investigating the cause of the mechanical failure and will continue to monitor the situation.”
The vessel reportedly lost propulsion due to a cracked cylinder and has approximately 19,500 gallons of fuel and 23 personnel aboard.