Investigation Into Cayman Brac Oil Tanker Grounding Starts

On Saturday, July 6, an oil tanker ran aground near Cayman Brac. The mishap occurred as the tanker was nearing the Cayman Islands to deliver its cargo of diesel fuel.

The oil tanker, named Sea Elephant, suffered hull damage and struck coral heads in shallow waters close to the terminal. Fortunately, there was no reported oil spillage. Subsequently, the tanker was refloated and is currently docked at Cayman Brac, undergoing precautionary monitoring.

The Cayman Islands Coastal Guard, Maritime Authority, Environmental Department, along with other local government agencies, are investigating the grounding of the Sea Elephant and assessing the damage it caused to the coral reef.

The vessel is an oil tanker registered under the Marshall Islands flag, owned and operated by Pantheon Tankers Management of Greece. It had departed from George Town Port, Cayman Islands, on July 3.