Cargo Ship Breaks Free from Moorings in Baltimore Harbor During High Winds
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A U.S. cargo ship, the Cornelius H. Charlton, broke free from its moorings in Baltimore’s South Harbor on Monday afternoon due to strong winds. Commercial tugs and the Baltimore Fire Department responded to the incident, successfully securing the vessel and preventing further drift. No injuries were reported.
Incident Details
Around 3:00 p.m. Baltimore time, the 951-foot (290-meter) Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) cargo ship Cornelius H. Charlton (formerly USNS charlton) became detached from its moorings. The National Weather Service had issued warnings of gale-force winds, potentially reaching nearly 50 knots, as a cold front moved across the Middle Atlantic and Northeast states. National Weather Service
Photographs of the incident showed the ship’s port-side ramp had been ripped loose and was dangling in the harbor.
Response and Securing the Vessel
Fire Boat 1 from the Baltimore City Fireboat Station and a commercial tug from McAllister Towing quickly responded to the scene. They successfully gained control of the drifting ship and secured it, remaining on site to ensure its continued stability.
Vessel Background and Current Status
The Cornelius H. Charlton was built in 2000 and previously operated by the Military Sealift Command, transporting equipment for the U.S. military. In September 2023, the ship was transferred to the Maritime Administration (MarAd) and entered the Ready Reserve Fleet. Maritime Administration marad placed the vessel at a rented pier in Baltimore,where a small crew was stationed. MarAd confirmed that all crew members were safe during the incident. The ship has a deadweight tonnage (dwt) of 36,639.
Local Concerns
According to the Baltimore Banner, local residents had previously expressed concerns about the ship’s presence in the harbor, citing noise and fumes from its diesel generators. They have reportedly called for the ship’s removal, arguing that it is an unsuitable location for a vessel in lay-up.
Looking Ahead
The incident highlights the challenges of securing large vessels during severe weather events.Investigations will likely focus on the adequacy of the mooring lines and procedures, and the potential impact of the reported generator noise and resident concerns on the ship’s long-term placement.
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