M/V Champion Express adrift, Off Half Moon Bay, CA

In the evening of 28-Feb-2013, the 628 foot M/V CHAMPION EXPRESS was reported adrift approximately 8NM West of Half Moon Bay, CA. The loaded bulk cargo ship carrying liquid fertilizer had reported an engine leak that forced an engine shutdown. At the time USCG contacted their NOAA SSC, she had been drifting for approximately 5 hours. A tug was en route at the time of the call and expected to be on-scene in an hour or so. USCG Sector SF requested a precautionary drift estimate of the ship in the event there is difficulty getting her under tow. No pollution has been reported or is anticipated at this time.