SALVORS have moored the bow section of Crimson Polaris at Hachinohe Port three weeks after it ran aground and broke in two in heavy weather.

All 21 crew onboard were safely removed from the ship.

The vessel’s operator NYK said work to remove the oil from the bow section at sea was expected to take a significant amount of time due to bad weather. The part of the hull was taken to the port to facilitate the safe unloading of the oil and the cargo that remains onboard.

“If all goes well, the removal of the remaining oil will be completed in mid-September, and the unloading of the loaded cargo will be completed at the end of September,” the statement said.

“As for the stern section, the Japan Coast Guard and related parties are continuing their investigation.”

The vessel ran aground on 11 August. NYK said  the vessel was “swept away by a strong wind while anchored, and resultantly ran aground”.