Bulk Carrier Refloated at Port of Norfolk

The Hong Dai sits aground a quarter mile Northwest of Sewell’s Point near Norfolk, Virginia, October 1, 2020. U.S. Coast Guard Photo

The 738-foot bulk carrier Hong Dai has been reflated after it ran aground Wednesday night near Sewell’s Point in Norfolk, Virginia.

The U.S. Coast Guard reports that several tugs were involved in the operation which took place at high tide Friday morning. The ship now remains at anchor under a Captain of the Port Order restricting its movement until an underwater survey can be conducted and the vessel is deemed fully safe to sail.

The Panamanian-flagged Hong Dai ran aground on soft sand about a quarter mile northwest of Sewell’s Point in Norfolk late Wednesday night shortly after departing the Dominion bulk terminal in Newport News, Virginia.

At the time of the grounding, crew members from the Hong Dai reported the bulk carrier had 22 crew aboard and was carrying a cargo of coal. It was also carrying 188,000 gallons of low sulfur fuel oil, diesel, and lube oil, collectively.

No injuries, pollution or flooding have been reported.

“The key to this successful marine salvage operation is the coordination of multiple port partners coming together and working for the continued safety, security, and prosperity of the Port of Virginia,” said Cmdr. Dean Horton, prevention department head at Sector Virginia.