First Attempt To Free Container Ship Stuck In Bay Set For Tuesday

MARYLAND — Crews plan to make an initial attempt to refloat the container ship, Ever Forward, Tuesday at noon following more than a week of dredging operations, the U.S. Coast Guard announced.

The 1,095-foot container vessel has been stuck in the Chesapeake Bay near Craighill Channel since March 13.

Weather conditions at the end of last week resulted in a slight delay in the operations from the originally anticipated refloat schedule, officials said.

During Tuesday’s refloat attempt, the current 500-yard safety zone around the ship in the Chesapeake Bay will be temporarily extended to 1,000 yards, closing the navigation channel to commercial traffic to provide for the safety of persons and the marine environment.

Officials said the expanded temporary safety zone will be enforced from noon Tuesday through midnight.

SEE ALSO:

• Dredging Underway To Free Container Ship Stuck In Chesapeake Bay
• Giant Container Ship Stuck In Chesapeake Bay

The public should anticipate one-way traffic at a reduced safe speed to resume at midnight or at the discretion of the captain of the port following the refloat attempt.

"Ensuring the ship’s stability, and monitoring for potential pollution continue to be top priorities of the unified command and responders," the U.S. Coast Guard said in a news release. "In addition to regular soundings of fuel and ballast tanks, a naval architect is currently aboard Ever Forward constantly monitoring and evaluating the ship’s stability, and will continue to do so during the refloat operation."

If required, additional dredging operations will commence and a second attempt to refloat the Ever Forward would then be expected to occur on or about Sunday, officials said.

Mariners are requested to monitor VHF channel 16 for the latest information.