Cargo ship runs aground at Alafia River

[dougpine]

Cargo ship runs aground at Alafia River TBO.com
A 371-foot cargo ship carrying phosphate ran aground this afternoon at the mouth of the Alafia River, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The ship is blocking the river channel, preventing commercial ships from getting through, said Petty Officer Sondra-Kay Kneen, a Coast Guard spokeswoman.

The Mariano Lauro was traveling from Riverview to the Port of Tampa about 1:30 p.m. when it ran aground, Kneen said. The ship has sustained no damage and has caused no pollution issues. There are no injuries.

Two tugboats are heading to the scene but may have to wait for high tide at 9 p.m. before trying to move the cargo ship, Kneen said. Once the ship is freed, the Coast Guard will help escort it into port.

Stay with TBO.com for updates.

[CaptAndrew]

Did he have one of those high priced Tampa Bay Pilots aboard?

[mike173]

Did he have one of those high priced Tampa Bay Pilots aboard?

Ouch! Nice one.