THE US Coast Guard has started investigations after bulker Koznitsa which was carrying grain ran aground on Saturday approximately nine-miles east of the port of Brunswick harbour entrance. No injuries, pollution or apparent damage to the 24,100 dwt vessel has been reported. Crewmembers onboard Koznitsa have been conducting frequent checks of the vessel to monitor for damage.A marine casualty investigator from Marine Safety Unit in Savannah will investigate the incident to determine the causes of the grounding. The Coast Guard is working with local towing assets to refloat the vessel. The Coast Guard has urged mariners operating in the area to maintain a safe distance away from Koznitsa because of on-going response operations. The vessel is owned by Navigation Maritime Bulgare (Navibulgar).