Bulk Carrier Cracks a Cylinder, Runs Aground in Columbia River

Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, out of Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, surveys the refloat and repair efforts of the cargo vessel Miyama near Welch Island, Ore., March 4, 2015. The Jayhawk crew found no visible pollution, and no damages or injuries were reported. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Air Station Astoria)

The 738-foot bulk carrier Miyama is back underway this morning, under escort by the tugs Deschutes and Sommer S enroute to Kalama, Oregon after the crew effected repairs to the ship’s propulsion system.

On Wednesday, the ship suffered a cracked cylinder, lost propulsion and briefly ran aground in the Columbia River, according to a report by the U.S. Coast Guard.

“The Coast Guard is actively monitoring the cargo vessel Miyama as the vessel makes way toward Kalama,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ben Russell, inspections division chief at Marine Safety Unit Portland. “Coast Guard personnel are investigating the cause of the mechanical failure and will continue to monitor the situation.”

The USCG says inspectors from classification society ClassNK will also be involved to ensure the vessel is thoroughly checked out before she resumes any regular scheduled voyage.