MV CSAV Maresias; Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC | 2005-Mar-22

Initial Notification: On Tuesday, 22 March, 2005, the MV CSAV Maresias waited off Charleston Harbour with six damaged containers due to bad weather offshore while in transit. The containers include tetrachloroethylene and methylene chloride solvents and choronated parafin wax. The USCG asked NOAA to assess toxicity, reactivity, and response concerns for these products. Also NOAA was asked to evaluate the photo ionization (PID) detection results performed by the RP. NOAA chemists and LSU contract chemists were given the cargo information to evaluate for hazards. USCG ordered the vessel to remain at anchor offshore until a plan was submitted to address offloading of the damaged containers, monitoring for toxic gas, and a contingency for dealing with any leaking or released product. NOAA Chemists reviewed the details of the plan prior to the vessel being allowed to enter port to verify correct monitoring methods. On the evening of Wednesday, 23 March USCG accepted the RP's plan for offloading the damaged containers, monitoring, and contingencies for any spillage. The vessel was allowed to enter port and offload. The operation was successful and without incident. The vessel departed the area at 0200 EST on 24 March 2005.