Mar 27: Bulk carrier MARYLAND was finally, refloated in the morning Mar 27, after partial offloading with deployment of floating crane, some 3,000 tons were offloaded, according to Russian Sea and River Fleet Agency. The ship was taken to Kerch Outer Anchorage in Black sea, and anchored. She’s to be surveyed before deciding if she may resume voyage, or she’ll have to be repaired, with all cargo offloaded.
Mar 13: Bulk carrier MARYLAND ran aground in northern Kerch Strait un front of Chushka, apparently after veering off fairway, at around 1630 UTC Mar 13, transiting Strait in southern direction, en route from Mariupol Ukraine to Maghera Italy. At 1930 UTC was still aground, with several tugs at her side. The ship is loaded with steel.
Comment: Kerch Strait Bridge and inefficient traffic control in Strait are blamed for numerous accidents in this area in recent years, after Crimea was annexed by Russia, said Ukrainian experts. Their assessment seems to be correct, because accidents in Kerch Strait skyrocket recently, most of them turning into major accidents, often with lives lost.
FleetMon Vessel Risk Rating: https://www.fleetmon.com/services/vessel-risk-rating/
