Cargo Vessel Refloated

According to the BBC, a stricken cargo vessel which ran aground near a harbor has been re-floated following a major operation. The MV Emsland, laden with 1,776 tons of timber, got into trouble shortly after it left the Port of Montrose, in Angus, on December 29. After bringing in specialized equipment, the ship was freed on Thursday afternoon, according to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Despite earlier concerns, no pollutants were released into the water.

A salvage team, which arrived in the area earlier in the week, had been working to remove some of the cargo and diesel oil from the 270-ft. ship to make it lighter. The Emsland had been taking water into two of its ballast tanks and concern had been raised that a leakage could threaten the local seabird population. The ship, which aground on the Annat Bank in the River South Esk, will be checked for damage in Montrose harbor. Source: BBC