A probe has been launched after a Greek tanker suffered hull damage after grounding in the Cayman Islands.
Investigators are also examining damage to a reef caused by the 50,000-dwt MR Sea Elephant (built 2009) on Saturday, the Cayman government said.
Its website reported on Sunday that several agencies were investigating the incident on Cayman Brac.
This was later updated to say that the tanker was “involved in an incident in the vicinity of Cayman Brac port that resulted in damage to the hull of the vessel and seafloor”.
The Greek ship was delivering diesel. No injuries or pollution have been reported.
The Marshall Islands-flag ship is being monitored as a precautionary measure, the government said.
The Department of the Environment, Coast Guard, Maritime Authority and other government agencies are investigating to determine the extent of damage to the vessel and reef, it added.
“As this is an ongoing investigation, further details will be disseminated where possible,” a statement said.
The vessel is operated by Pantheon Tankers in Athens.
The company said in a statement the ship grounded under pilotage.
“The master activated the vessel’s emergency response plan and informed local authorities and all involved parties,” Pantheon added.
An initial crew assessment revealed some structural damage to the vessel, Pantheon said.
It confirmed the vessel was successfully refloated, and was awaiting further inspection.
Pantheon has activated its emergency response plan.
“We remain in contact with the crew, the coast guard and all relevant stakeholders. Our priorities remain the safety of the crew, as well as the surrounding marine environment as we fully support any subsequent investigations,” the company added.
The tanker had left George Town in the islands on 3 July.
AIS data shows the the ship was moored just off Cayman Brac on Monday.
Insurance cover is provided by the NorthStandard protection and indemnity club.
The tanker has a clean port state control record.
This is the second casualty incident in the area in the past three months involving a Greek vessel.
The Cayman Compass reported that in April the 2,478-teu boxship SC Montana lost power and needed a tow 20 miles west of Little Cayman.
Its engines failed en route from Jamaica to Cuba.
A passing bulker helped in towing the ship safely away from the island.
The container vessel is owned by Conbulk Shipping of Piraeus, and operated by CMA CGM of France, according to UK shipbroker Clarksons.
