Leak on Horizon vessel forces return to Puerto Rico port
A cargo container transporting hazardous materials experienced a minor leak while on board the container vessel 'Horizon Producer' Tuesday while on its scheduled voyage from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Elizabeth, N.J., Horizon Lines officials said in a statement Wednesday.
The cargo container was stowed above the deck of the vessel and the Horizon Lines captain and crew immediately performed all appropriate containment and safety measures once the leak was discovered, the carrier said. The captain notified the U.S. Coast Guard and returned to the Port of San Juan in accordance with company health and safety protocols and environmental protections.
The vessel returned to the Port of San Juan and the crew and port personnel are cooperating with the U.S. Coast Guard, Junta de Calidad Ambiental, the local environmental agency and all other safety agencies, Horizon Lines said. Crew members were treated dockside for possible inhalation issues and five crew members were transported to a local hospital for additional treatment.
The affected area of the deck is being cleaned and the Horizon Producer will await clearance from the U.S. Coast Guard before departing for Elizabeth. Initial estimates place arrival into New Jersey on Saturday.
There is no relationship between Horizon Lines and Horizon Offshore, Houston-based provider of marine construction services for the offshore oil and gas industry.