C/V Houston; Maryland Shoal, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Maryland Shoal, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary | 1997-Feb-03

Initial Notification: During the night of February 3, 1997, the C/V Houston ran hard aground while en route from New Orleans to Spain. Most of the approximately 2,700 tons of fuel carried by the ship was a heavy fuel oil. The ship also carried marine diesel and lube oil. The ship was loaded with containers, nine of which contained hazardous materials, but the risk of damage to these containers or their cargo was low. Fuel was lightered from the vessel on February 8 and the ship was refloated and pulled free of the reef that evening during high tide. The Houston proceeded to the Port of Miami for damage inspection. USCG district 7.