New Carissa

What Led to the Wreckage of MV New Carissa?

The story of MV New Carissa is a cautionary tale that echoes through the waters of Coos Bay, Oregon. This Philippine-flagged dry bulk freighter, built by Imabari Shipbuilding in Japan, found itself in an unexpected predicament during a stormy February night in 1999. The ship’s journey took a dramatic turn when it ran aground near Coos Bay, breaking apart and leaving behind a trail of ecological devastation.

Navigation Errors and the Captain’s Role

The investigation that followed pointed fingers at the captain as the primary culprit for the disaster. Wasn’t the captain responsible for ensuring safe passage through treacherous waters? Poor navigational techniques and inadequate watchkeeping were cited as key factors in the ship’s misfortune. The captain’s error, it seemed, was not just a simple mistake but a critical oversight that led to the vessel’s demise.

The Environmental Impact

Despite the investigation, neither the captain nor crew members faced criminal charges. However, the ecological damage caused by the wreck was significant. Fuel tanks leaked approximately 70,000 US gallons of fuel oil and diesel onto the beach and into the water. Was this just a minor inconvenience or a major environmental catastrophe? The spill affected not only the local ecosystem but also posed a threat to marine life for years to come.

The Salvage Efforts

Attempts to refloat the ship failed, leading to a four-day delay in salvage operations. These efforts were further complicated by inclement weather, lack of available tugboats, and poor communication between teams. The vessel’s insurers declared it a total loss, and recovery operations shifted to mitigating environmental damage.

Emergency Measures

The first emergency measure was the burning of fuel tanks on February 10 using napalm. However, only one diesel tank was effectively burned. A second attempt involved US Navy experts placing shaped charges to breach the top of fuel tanks from within the cargo holds. The ship burned for 33 hours with 165,000-255,000 gallons of oil being consumed.

Refloating and Dismantling

The bow section was refloated on March 8 and successfully towed off the coast by two tugboats. The stern section remained aground but posed no significant oil spill threat. A salvage contract awarded to Donjon Marine Co. in June 1999 faced challenges due to safety concerns and sabotage allegations.

Final Removal

In 2008, Titan Maritime Company removed the stern by dismantling it on the beach, expected to cost $18 million. The project involved using jackup barges and cable car systems to access the wreck from above the surf. By September 2008, only a few small pieces remained submerged.

Legal Battles and Financial Consequences

The wreck of New Carissa caused one of the most serious oil spills affecting Oregon, dumping 200,000 gallons of oil into the Columbia River. Analysis by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found over 3,000 shorebirds and seabirds killed, including 262 threatened marbled murrelets and endangered western snowy plovers.

The initial burning of the oil and removal of the bow section prevented a worse spill, but subsequent litigation proved expensive for the ship’s owners and insurers. A settlement of US$6.5 million was paid to the U.S., highlighting the financial burden such incidents can impose on all parties involved.

The story of MV New Carissa serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in maritime operations. It underscores the critical role that navigation, safety protocols, and environmental stewardship play in ensuring the integrity and sustainability of our oceans.