Bow Mariner search postponed

The offshore supply vessel Powhatan returned to Little Creek on Tuesday after encountering heavy weather that prevented the ROV from being launched to begin searching for missing seamen of the Bow Mariner and to take video footage of the vessel to determine whether there are recoverable quantities of ethanol and fuel oil.

Despite the weather, the Powhatan?s crew was able to make a visual survey that showed there is very little recoverable amounts of oil. “There was just light sheen,” said an environmental expert who was onboard. The Powhatan and its ROV plans to return to the site on Saturday weather permitting. Meanwhile, Ceres and Odfjell are in the process of providing all of the information requested by the US Coast Guard. In addition, they have retained an expert on marine explosions and fires to help determine the cause of the accident.

Though there have been no conclusions about the exact cause of the accident, as a precaution Odfjell Seachem has issued a safety circular to all of its vessels highlighting safety and operational procedures. In addition, the two sister vessels of the Bow Mariner in the Odfjell fleet will be thoroughly inspected by both Odfjell and independent experts before starting new voyages with cargo.

In a related development, four of the surviving crewmembers have retained their own attorneys to assist them to find a way to provide full statements to the Coast Guard. So far the crewmembers have exercised their rights to remain silent. However, both companies hope that a solution can be found to enable them to give full statements.