Commercial tugs and Baltimore fire crews responded after the roll-on/roll-off cargo ship Cornelius H. Charlton (ex-USNS Charlton) broke free from its moorings during gale-force winds in Baltimore Harbor on Dec. 29.
Calls for assistance came in around 3 p.m. as the 951'×105' vessel drifted from its berth at the Locust Point Marine Terminal. At the time, the National Weather Service reported winds approaching 50 knots in the area, warning that the system could cause structural and marine hazards.
Photos from the scene show the ship’s portside ramp ripped free, hanging above the water and partially submerged. Fire Boat 1 from the Baltimore City Fire Department and at least one McAllister Towing tug responded and were able to gain control of the drifting vessel and secure it at the pier. The vessels remained on station into Tuesday morning to ensure the ship stayed in position.
Despite the environmental conditions and the vessel breakaway, the maritime administration reported that the ship’s small crew remained aboard and safe throughout the incident and that no injuries were reported.
Investigations into the cause and mooring performance are ongoing.
