Disabled tanker heads to San Francisco for repairs

Image of disabled tanker from U.S. Coast Guard video

AUGUST 25, 2014—A 12,105 gross ton tanker that was disabled by a deadly engine room fire on August 13 is being towed to the Port of San Francisco for repairs.

The 485-foot-long Pine Galaxy, owned by Tokyo Marine, is expected to arrive in the port later this week and be will be met by a safety and assessment team headed by U.S. Coast Guard and owners, and includes several federal, state and local agencies, to ensure the safety of the ship’s crew and finalize plans for the ship to be brought into the port for repairs.

As we reported earlier, the 485-foot Bahamian-flagged ship experienced an engine room fire on Aug. 13 that resulted in the death of one crew member and the loss of electrical power and propulsion. The ship, a mixed-product carrier, is currently being towed toward San Francisco with a varying arrival time based on weather conditions and the speed of the tow.  Cargoes include neutral oil, tetramer, propylene tetramer and vegetable oil.

There have been no reports of any cargo leaking from the ship and no reported damage to the vessel’s cargo tanks, fuel tanks or hull.

“Our top priority is ensuring a coordinated effort to get the ship safely into port where repairs can be made,” says Capt. Greg Stump, Commander, Coast Guard Sector San Francisco.

Plans are being prepared to ensure sufficient tug and support vessels meet the ship as it approaches and transits the San Francisco Bay. The Coast Guard will escort the ship and establish a safety zone around the vessel.