The Coast Guard reopened the Mobile Ship Channel to all deep-draft commercial vessel traffic at approximately 5 p.m. Monday. The Coast Guard had restricted traffic at about 3 a.m. Monday after a vessel grounded between buoys 36 and 38.
On Monday, watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile received a report that the container ship MSC Kyoto had grounded outside of the Mobile Ship Channel reportedly as a result of a steering failure. MSC Kyoto's owner contracted the towing vessels Hawk and Escambia to assist in freeing the vessel. In combination with high tide, the two tugs were able to tow the vessel back into the channel after more than 12 hours aground.
There are no reports of pollution or injuries.
"Coast Guard Sector personnel and patrol boats were able to respond quickly and efficiently to ultimately restore the full flow of commerce to the Port of Mobile," said Cmdr. Scott Muller, Coast Guard Sector Mobile.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
