Grounded Reefer Ship Refloated in Delaware Bay

A reefer cargo ship has ran aground near Miah Maull Shoal in Delaware Bay while inbound to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The 470-foot M/V Santa Lucia was carrying fresh produce at the time of the incident. A crewmember contacted Coast Guard watchstanders at about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday to report the grounding.

New Jersey and Delaware government officials, along with the U.S. Coast Guard, evaluated the situation and assisted the shipowner to safely refloat the ship.

The Santa Lucia got back underway under its own power at approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday. The vessel is scheduled to anchor at Big Stone Anchorage for a Coast Guard safety inspection before moving on to its destination of Philadelphia.

There have not been any reports of injuries. The Coast Guard is currently investigating the cause of the grounding, although some reports state that the grounding was caused by a stuck rudder during a turn.

The Liberian-flagged Santa Lucia is owned by Seatrade.