CMA CGM-chartered boxship runs aground in Mississippi River

A Liberia-flagged containership ran aground in the Mississippi River on March 27, the US Coast Guard (USCG) said. 

The 8,533 TEU Belita grounded near 12-mile point, at mile marker 81 of the Mississippi River.

Following the incident, Coast Guard Sector New Orleans placed a one-way traffic restriction in the immediate vicinity of the grounded vessel.

“Our top priority in this incident is the safe recovery of this vessel, while protecting the marine environment,” Capt. Kristi Luttrell, Sector New Orleans commanding officer, said on Friday.

There have been no reports of pollution or injuries. An investigation into the cause of the incident has been launched, the USCG added.

The 2006-built Belita, previously known as Parsifal, is owned by Greek Gemini Shipholdings, VesselsValue’s data shows. In addition, the 334-meter-long vessel belongs to a chartered fleet of French shipping giant CMA CGM.

The Post-Panamax boxship seems to have been refloated as it is currently en route to Tampa, Florida, underway using engine, according to information provided by MarineTraffic.