USCG: Bulker Refloated in Beaufort Inlet

USCG The 2014-built cargo ship Pola Palekh has been refloated after it ran aground in Beaufort Inlet Channel, North Carolina, on November 18, 2016, the US Coast Guard (USCG) informed.  Tugboats assisted the Pola Palekh off the shoaling and escorted the vessel to Morehead City State Port Terminal, with the process monitored by the USCG. The USCG said it worked with the owner of the 37,600 dwt vessel, Cyprus-based Pola Maritime, to ensure its safe refloating. The Malta-flagged vessel was carrying 35,800 metric tons of fertilizer and holding approximately 27,000 gallons of fuel oil when it ran aground. No pollution, injuries or damage to the vessel have been reported, according to the USCG. Following the ships grounding, the channel was closed to deep draft commercial traffic. On the same day, the channel was reopened to all marine traffic. The refloated Pola Palekh is currently moored at the Port of Morehead City, according to the vessels AIS data provided by Marine Traffic.