NASSAU, Bahamas– The Bahamas government Friday confirmed that a 39,307 fuel tanker had ran aground off the coast of Grand Bahama, but “there is no evidence of emission of this product into the waters and the hull is reported intact”.
Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin the motor tanker “Formosa Falcon” was altering its position at Freeport anchorage due to her proximity to another vessel when the incident occurred.
“Whilst altering its position, the vessel’s captain reported that westerly winds of 15 knots forced the vessel aground. The vessel is a fuel tanker with 12,796 tons of alkalyte. There is no evidence of emission of this product into the waters and the hull is reported intact,” she said.
She said that an official from the Port Department and a representative of the Freeport Harbour Company as well as agents for the vessel were sent to the area and reported that the vessel was grounded at the bow.
“International and local marine salvage experts are on location and having assessed the situation made preparation to refloat the vessel by using tugboats and the tanker’s own engines,” she said, adding that efforts were made earlier this morning to refloat the tanker.
“The Ministry of Transport and Aviation has been in direct contact with representatives of the ship’s owners to ensure that prompt and appropriate actions are taken, that a proper assessment of the situation has been made and a determination as to the best course of action. The Port Department and the Ministry will continue to closely monitor this situation.”