A damage assessment conducted on the grounded bulk carrier Sparna revealed multiple fractures, the largest being 25-foot by 5-foot wide with a visible boulder lodged inside, the United States Coast Guard said.
The report, submitted by Ballard Marine Construction early on Tuesday morning, showed significant damage to the ship which was contained to two flooded compartments.
Although there were still no signs of oil or fuel spilled from the vessel following the incident, the coast guard, along with state pollution responders and a contracted oil spill response organization, continue to monitor the Panamanian-flagged bulker.
“We have prepared and have people in place to respond to the worst case scenario,” Capt. Dan Travers, commander Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, said.
USCG plans to move the 2006-built vessel upriver to the Port of Longview on Wednesday morning, as conditions permit.
Sparna, fully loaded with grain in its cargo holds, is carrying 218,380 gallons of high sulfur fuel and 39,380 gallons of marine diesel.
The 623-foot bulker grounded in a narrow part of the river near Cathlamet, Washington on March 21.
The incident did not cause any injuries to the eight crew members aboard the vessel.
Relevant authorities launched an investigation to determine the cause of the grounding which occurred while a river pilot was still onboard the ship.
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