TV Michael; 5 miles E of Rohoboth, Delaware

5 miles E of Rohoboth, Delaware | 2000-Jan-29

Initial Notification: The T/V Michael is grounded approximately 8 miles east of Rohoboth Beach, DE (position 38? 42.7' N / 74? 58.3' W). The tank vessel is single hulled and fully loaded with 909,000 barrels (38,178,000 gallons) of Nigerian Light Crude. The tanker's draft is 52 feet, and she is grounded in about 48 feet of water. An attempt was made to back her off at the last high tide at 1515 (+3.2 feet). However, she remains stuck in the soft sand bottom. A barge is being brought out for lightering this evening (approximately 86,000 barrels will allow the vessel to rise about one meter). Two tugs are also being sent out to assist in pulling off at the next high tide, Sunday morning at 0355 (+3.8 feet). The tides will be increasing successively over the next several days. USCG district 1. Keyword: none.