Maritime traffic on the Sulina Canal has been restricted as of Wednesday afternoon after a seagoing tanker heading to Galati ran aground, prompting authorities to open an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

The maritime tanker 'Lilstella', sailing under the Hong Kong flag, is an asphalt-bitumen carrier measuring 109.9 metres in length and 20 metres in beam, according to marinetraffic.com.

'So far, no material damage or signs of pollution have been reported. The navigable fairway is partially obstructed for maritime traffic, and temporary restrictions have been imposed until the vessel is refloated,' spokesperson for the Romanian Naval Authority Cristina Puscasu told AGERPRES.

A team from the Tulcea Harbourmaster's Office has traveled to the site at river mile 28+5 to assess the situation and determine necessary measures.

'The intervention of the tug Sulina 2, operated by the Lower Danube River Administration in Galati, has been requested,' the authority also noted. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Nicoleta Gherasi; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)

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