MSC Ship Runs Aground in Mobile Ship Channel

Published Apr 7, 2014 3:39 PM by The Maritime Executive

The U.S. Coast Guard restricted traffic on the Mobile Ship Channel after a vessel grounded between buoys 36 and 38, Monday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile received a report that the container ship MSC Kyoto grounded outside of the Mobile Ship Channel reportedly as a result of a steering failure.

The Coast Guard issued a Safety Marine Information Broadcast restricting vessels with a draft of more than 30 feet from transiting the channel. All vessels allowed to transit are on a one-at-a-time basis.

Efforts to refloat the ship will begin following a Lloyd's Register's review of the vessel's stability conditions.

There are no reports of pollution or injuries.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.