On February 11, the 41 foot long United States Navy patrol vessel 414 ran aground on the southern jetty at the entrance to St. Johns River near Jacksonville, Florida. The patrol vessel was returning from patrol and proceeding to the Mayport Naval Station when it ran onto the jetty. The five crew on board the 414 were uninjured and rescuers were able to bring the crew ashore safely. The patrol vessel sustained hull damage and water ingress. Reports state salvage efforts were underway.
The 9600 ton United States Navyguided-missile cruiser SS Hue City caught fire in the Atlantic Ocean. The cruiser was en route to the Mediterranean Sea from Mayport, Florida when a fire broke out. The crew was able to extinguish the blaze, but the fire caused extensive damage to the vessel. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The SS Hue City proceeded back to Mayport for repairs.
After four days, the 68 meter long minesweeper USS Guardian has remained stuck on Tubbataha Reef. Rough weather has pushed the vessel further up onto the coral reef. Initially stranded at the bow, the USS Guardian now rests broadside to the reef with the starboard hull on the reef. The Navy reports that the hull has begun to list to port and there is evidence the vessel has suffered water ingress. However, no signs of oil pollution yet being released.
Photo: Philippine Navy
Along with several US Navy vessels, Philippine Coast Guard and a salvage tug remain on scene. Forecasts show high winds and 2 meter waves in the area to continue for several more days preventing containment booms being deployed. A lighter vessel is scheduled to arrive on scene with oil recovery equipment.
The Navy has reported that a major factor to the cause of the grounding was an error on a digital chart. The paper copy of the chart along with other digital charts correctly showed the reef location, but the one digital version on the USS Guardian had anomaly. Naval authorities have stated that the investigation into the grounding will continue looking at other potential factors.
