Bulker Towed to New York after Days Disabled in Atlantic Ocean

The Panama-flagged bulk carrier GDF Suez North Sea with 21 crew aboard has been towed to the Port of New York after spending almost a week disabled some 100 miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean.

The ship, loaded with cement, lost propulsion on August 21. The crew attempted to repair the propulsion system, but with no luck.

“By Thursday night, the vessel’s crew determined they were unable to affect repairs, and the Coast Guard began facilitating an offshore salvage operation. An HC-144A Ocean Sentry aircraft from Air Station Cape Cod arrived on scene at approximately 10:45 a.m., Friday to establish communications with the vessel and assess its condition,” the United States Coast Guard (USCG) said.

The parent company of GDF Suez North Sea dispatched the tug Atlantic Salvor from the Port of New York and New Jersey to rendezvous with the vessel over 100 miles offshore and take the vessel under tow.

The Atlantic Salvor began towing operations towards New York on Friday under the vigilant eye of the Coast Guard Sector New York personnel.

Upon arrival to Ambrose Channel, the Coast Guard directed the use of at least three tugs to tow the disabled vessel into New York Harbor and to its berth in Newark. On August 26 the ship arrived at its destination.

The cause of the vessel’s loss of propulsion is under investigation.