Grounded container ship re-floated

An 872-ft. container ship that went aground on the Columbia River near St. Helens, Ore., was re-floated.

The Korean flagged container ship, Hanjin Beijing, became grounded a few miles downstream, near Columbia City and St. Helens. There were 15 crew members aboard. The 872-foot container ship was carrying a full load of cargo. Coast Guard Investigators, Marine Inspectors and four tugboats were responding to assess the vessels situation when the vessel re-floated due to changing river and tide conditions. Tugs will escort the vessel to Kalama, Wash., where it will undergo a damage survey prior to departing for Japan, its next port of call.

There is no sign of pollution and initial tank soundings and damage assessments have determined that the vessel is not taking on water. No injuries have been reported.

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