MT Tuapse; Delaware Bay at Miah Maull Shoals

Delaware Bay at Miah Maull Shoals | 2000-Apr-07

Initial Notification: At about 1130 on April 7, the Russian vessel MT Tuapse went aground in Delaware Bay at Miah Maull Shoals due to a steering failure. On board are 44,000 metric tonnes of urea and ammonium nitrate (liquid fertilizer) as well as an undetermined quantity of #6 fuel oil and lubricating oil. The vessel is reported to be moving slightly on a sandy bottom. No pollution has been observed. Pollution response equipment is standing by and tugs are enroute with an ETA of 2000-2200 this evening. NOAA is providing trajectory information and weather. The vessel was successfully refloated (when?) and taken to Big Stone Anchorage where it is awaiting a diver's inspection of the hull. No pollution was released. USCG district 5.