SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Bulgarian flagged freight vessel Koznitsa, which grounded approximately nine-miles east of the Brunswick harbour entrance Saturday was safely re-floated yesterday at about 4 p.m.
The U.S. Coast Guard contracted three towing vessel from the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick to assist in the emergency response operation. The towing vessels arrived shortly before this afternoon's high tide and soon had the Koznitsa free from the shallow water. There were no injuries or release of oil pollution as a result of this operation.
The Koznitsa is presently at anchor awaiting more thorough inspections to ensure there is no damage to the vessel. Once the vessel has been inspected, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Savannah will review the inspection report. If the inspection findings are acceptable, the vessel will be released and allowed to continue its initial voyage.
A Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Savannah federal on-scene coordinator's Representative was aboard the Koznitsa during this afternoon's evolution to ensure it was conducted safely. Also present was a Coast Guard marine inspector and Coast Guard casualty investigator. The marine inspector directed and monitored the vessel's crew as they inspected the vessel for damage. The casualty investigator continued efforts to determine the cause of grounding incident.
The Koznitsa is a 612-foot freight vessel owned by Navigation Maritime Bulgare. The vessel was headed to sea after loading grain products in the Port of Brunswick when it ran aground. The cause of the grounding incident remains under investigation.
