Bulk carrier MICROSTEP loaded with legs ran aground in China Strait, Mine Bay, southeastern Papua New Guinea, on May 3, while en route from PNG ports to port of destination (China, probably). The ship was transiting the Strait in eastern direction, she grounded on reefs. Salvage required partial offloading on May 8 MICROSTEP was refloated and anchored near grounding site, to load offloaded legs and undergo inspection and investigation. Underwater inspection found no damages to ship’s hull. On May 10 the ship moved into Mine Bay and was anchored off Gurney, PNG, situation unclear. Might be the result of investigation – reefs damages were mentioned, ship’s anchorage might be related to environment damages compensation. As of 0430 UTC May 11, MICROSTEP remained anchored. Bulk carrier MICROSTEP, IMO 9125918, dwt 28251, built 1996, flag Panama, manager FENG SEA SHIPPING PTE LTD, Singapore.

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