USCG Allows Cosco Busan to Depart

The Coast Guard has authorized the COSCO BUSAN to resume maritime commerce. The customs hold and all orders requiring the vessel to remain in San Francisco issued by the Captain of the Port have been lifted. Required temporary repairs to the vessel have been completed, the vessel and crew have been verified safe to sail, and the vessel operator has provided a satisfactory load plan for cargo operations. Earlier issues regarding operation of the ship that were of concern have been addressed by the vessel's owner to the Coast Guard's satisfaction.

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port previously directed the master of the COSCO BUSAN to keep the ship in port in order to ensure the vessel's seaworthiness, the crew's proper training in bridge management in accordance with international standards, and that U.S. legal interests are protected in the event the owner, operator, or person in charge is subject to a fine or civil penalty.

The Coast Guard and NTSB marine casualty investigations into the COSCO BUSAN's allision with the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge on November 7th continue.