Bulk carrier runs aground near Virginia Beach

Image: USCG photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Reynolds
Image: USCG photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Reynolds

A Panama-flagged bulk carrier ran aground two nautical miles east of Virginia Beach, Virginia, on January 10.

Crewmembers aboard the 291-metre JSW Salem contacted US Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders in Portsmouth after their ship ran aground.

A USCG 13-metre response boat medium (RB-M) and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter arrived on scene to render assistance.

JSW Salem was able to refloat with the rising tide. The RB-M crew then escorted the ship to an anchorage just off Virginia Beach.

No injuries were reported among the bulk carrier’s 26 crew.

The cause of the grounding is being investigated by the USCG.


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