Maersk containership loses propulsion in Santa Barbara Channel

The following is the text of two press releases issued Jan. 9 and 10 by the U.S. Coast Guard:
 
(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) — The Coast Guard is responding to a distress call this afternoon from a container ship that lost propulsion in the Santa Barbara Channel.

The vessel Maersk Kawasaki was heading north through the channel when it lost propulsion due to an unknown cause.

The Coast Guard Cutter Blacktip, home-ported in Oxnard, was dispatched to the scene. Tugboats in the local area were also dispatched.

The Maersk Kawasaki is maintaining its current position with the use of thrusters located at the bow and stern of the vessel. There is no immediate threat to oil platforms or the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. The Coast Guard is monitoring the vessel’s position through the Vessel Traffic Service and Marine Exchange.

The Coast Guard issued an urgent marine information broadcast advising maritime traffic in the area.

The casualty is under investigation.

 
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(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) — The container ship Maersk Kawasaki transited late Friday night under its own power to Port Hueneme where an investigation of the original power loss is in progress. Two Crowley tugs, the Admiral and the Leader, dispatched to the scene from San Pedro, attended the Maersk Kawasaki during its transit to Port Hueneme.

Coast Guard Cutter Blacktip, home-ported in Oxnard, escorted the Maersk Kawasaki to its current anchorage outside the port where the investigation is being conducted by the Coast Guard and Lloyd’s Register.

By Professional Mariner Staff