Bulk Carrier Refloated after Grounding near Crims Island

Ultramax bulk carrier KM London, which ran aground in the Columbia River, was refloated on December 15, the US Coast Guard informed.

The 656-foot Liberian-flagged bulker ran aground near Crims Island on the north side of the navigational channel outbound the Columbia River laden with wheat.

Owners of the 63,000 dwt vessel worked with the Coast Guard and Captain of the Port to identify the safest plan to refloat and repair the vessel.

After it was refloated during Friday morning’s high tide, KM London was assisted by three tugs to Longview, Washington, where it was to receive additional damage assessments. AIS data from Marine Traffic shows that the ship is still moored at Longview.

USCG informed that the vessel was originally taking on water in two forward compartments but crewmembers aboard the vessel were able to get the flooding under control. A Coast Guard helicopter conducted an over-flight and reported no signs of pollution.

A Columbia River pilot conducted drug and alcohol testing on crewmembers and the river pilot onboard the vessel at the time of the incident. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.