Spirit of Nantucket; Intracoastal Waterway, VA

Intracoastal Waterway, VA | 2007-Nov-08

Initial Notification: The NOAA SSC was notified by USCG Hampton Roads, VA, that the 207' cruise ship Spirit of Nantucket was aground in the Intracoastal Waterway 3 mi. from the Atlantic Ocean. The ship is carrying 720 bbl diesel but there have been no breaches in tanks or hull. However, a 1000' sheen is reported on the water. Ship is taking on water. The spill is suspected to have resulted from a hydraulic system casualty as the vessel lost steering and was intentionally grounded to prevent sinking.