Virginia – Shipwreck Log

On January 10, the 292 meter long, 176217 dwt bulk carrier JSW Salem ran aground on the Atlantic Ocean near Virginia Beach, Virginia. The JSW Salem had departed from Baltimore and was headed for Inixy, India with 120,000 tons of coal when it ran aground off Cape Henry. The bulk carrier alerted the Coast Guard who dispatched the 45 foot long response boat and a helicopter to the scene. An inspection found the JSW Salem had suffered no damage and no pollution had been released. The vessel was able to refloat itself on the rising tide and proceeded to a nearby anchorage. No reports of injuries. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Mallika Naree

June 29, 2017 Paul Hancock

The 179 meter long, 30195 dwt bulk carrier Mallika Naree ran aground on the Elizabeth River off Norfolk, Virginia. The bulk carrier was entering port when suffered a power blackout and veered out of the channel and struck a buoy. Multiple tugs were dispatched and pulled the Mallika Naree free a few hours later. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter to monitor the situation. The Mallika Naree had arrived from France with a cargo of steel and cement.

Ornak

April 19, 2014 Paul Hancock

On April 15, the 228 meter long, 79677 dwt bulk carrier Ornak was driven hard aground off Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Ornak had been at anchor in Chesapeake Bay when wind increased and changed direction. The Ornak’s anchor began to drag. The crew attempted to restart the engines and turn the vessel, but the bulk carrier was drifting closer to shore. A second anchor was dropped, but it didn’t hold. The Ornak went hard aground a few hundred yards off shore. No reports of injuries to the 22 crew on board, damage or pollution released. The Ornak was released by the aid of tugs on the following rising tide. Divers inspected the hull and was allowed to proceed to the Portsmouth terminal to load its cargo of grain.