Self-Propelled Coastal Tanker Runs Aground in East Rockaway Inlet

Published Nov 16, 2006 12:01 AM by The Maritime Executive

The self-propelled coastal tanker “KRISTIN POLING” has been refloated following a grounding which occurred on the morning of November 10th in Rockaway Inlet. The vessel ran aground on a sandy bottom about 450 yards from shore, but suffered no apparent hull damage and no apparent pollution was sighted, according to Coast Guard statements. None of the vessel’s crewmembers were injured in the incident. The vessel was transporting approximately 15,000 barrels of number two fuel oil at the time of the grounding.

Following the lightering of just under half of the vessel’s cargo to another barge, the vessel was refloated at high tide on the morning of November 12th. Although the single-hulled tanker remained intact, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port for Long Island Sound directed the vessel’s operators to deploy adequate pollution containment and recovery equipment. According to a Coast guard press release, “The unified command deployed a total of 20,000 feet of oil recovery boom, 10 vacuum trucks, 10 oil skimmers, 20 workboats, 45 contractors and over 70 people working throughout the unified command to ensure that no damage was done to the natural resources in the area.”

Following completion of the refloating and salvage operation, the vessel proceeded on to New York City, where Coast Guard spokespersons say it has arrived. Coast Guard officials also said that this was the second time in less than two years that the same vessel had run aground in the same area. The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the grounding.