Tank adjustment threw ship over

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Cougar Ace was thrown sideways when the massive ship’s ballast tank was adjusted in the open seas of the North Pacific, a representative of the vessel’s owner said yesterday.

“There clearly was imbalance in the intake of ballast water. The company investigation ultimately will tell us what caused that imbalance,” said Greg Beuerman, a spokesman for Tokyo-based Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, which owns the 654-ft. car carrier.