Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach
U.S. Coast Guard

Date: February 18, 2007

Contact: Lt. j.g. Andrew S. Munoz
(310) 732-2045

LOS ANGELES - At 4:15 p.m. today the U.S. Coast Guard, Los Angeles Port Police, Los Angeles Fire Department, and Los Angeles Police responded to an accident aboard the cargo vessel Jumbo Challenger in the port of Los Angeles.

While conducting offload operations, one of the ship's two cranes gave way and dropped the top portion of a 638 metric ton petroleum reactor onto the pier.  The reactor, which is used in the oil refining process, was destined for the BP Oil Refinery in Carson, Calif.

The Dutch ship sustained damage to its hull and crane and will require repairs prior to departing Los Angeles.  No injuries have been reported.  The Coast Guard and Port of Los Angeles are currently working with the cargo facility and ship's representatives to safely move the heavy cargo.

 The cause of the accident is under investigation.

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Click on photos to view high-resolution version

LOS ANGELES (Feb 18, 2007) - A 638 metric ton petroleum reactor partially rests on the pier at berth 136 in the Port of Los Angeles after a cable on one of the cranes on the cargo ship Jumbo Challenger gave way during offload operations this afternoon.  Los Angeles Port Police, Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles Police and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to the incident. (Official Coast Guard Photo - Anthony Turner, Coast Guard Auxiliary)

(Official Coast Guard Photo - Anthony Turner, Coast Guard Auxiliary)

 (Official Coast Guard Photo - Anthony Turner, Coast Guard Auxiliary)

 Selected high resolution Images are available at www.uscglosangeles.com.