Dutch cargo ship grounds in Delaware River

The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:

(PHILADELPHIA) — The Coast Guard is overseeing salvage efforts Tuesday for a motor vessel aground on the Delaware River.

The 328-foot Netherlands-flagged motor vessel Bermuda Islander lost power and propulsion Monday at approximately 9 p.m. before running aground near Salem, N.J.

No injuries or pollution have been reported. There were 12 people aboard the ship when it ran aground.

Watch standers at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay in Philadelphia are maintaining an hourly communications schedule with the Delaware River Pilots regarding the ship’s status. Donjon Marine has been identified as the contracted salvage company.

"Our goal is to get the vessel safely back underway while mitigating pollution," said Petty Officer 1st Class Daniel Brown, an operations specialist in the Sector Delaware Bay command center. "Although there haven't been any reports of pollution, we are monitoring the situation closely to ensure it stays that way."

By Professional Mariner Staff