[Scan-DC] Responders conduct operations to re-float cargo ship Montrose

[Alan Henney]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <Christopher.P.Evanson at uscg.mil>
To: "Alan Henney" <alan at henney.com>
Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2007 7:29 PM
Subject: *Media Update* Responders conduct operations to re-float
cargo ship Montrose


Document Number: 1193
        Fifth District
      U.S. Coast Guard


      Press Release Date: March 2, 2007
      Contact: Unified Command Information Center
      (757) 651-6310

      *MEDIA UPDATE*
      RESPONDERS CONDUCT OPERATIONS
      TO RE-FLOAT CARGO SHIP MONTROSE

      BALTIMORE - A Unified Command is scheduled to transfer coal
Sunday from the cargo ship Montrose in order to re-float the ship in
Chesapeake Bay.

      The 712-foot cargo ship Montrose, carrying 74,215 metric tons of
coal, ran soft aground Wednesday near Sharps Island, Md.

      The removal process, known as lightering, should begin Sunday
morning. Once afloat, the ship will be taken to safe anchorage for
inspection.

      The Coast Guard Cutter Cochito, an 87-foot patrol boat home
ported in Portsmouth, Va., is enforcing a 500-yard safety zone for the
ship.

      There have been no reports of pollution or injuries.  However,
the transfer of coal will generate dust in the air and may cause
discoloration in the water. Boaters are reminded that water
discoloration within the vicinity of the operation is not a result of
oil or hazardous chemicals.

      "Coal is ugly, and it will discolor the water, however the
effect it has on the environment is very minimal," sais Alan Williams,
on-scene coordinator for the State of Maryland.

      The Unified Command consists of the Coast Guard, ECM Maritime
Services, Resolve Marine Group, Maryland Natural Resources Police,
Motia and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

      ###



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U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area
5th District Public Information Site