Vessel Hoegh Osaka run aground after developing ‘severe list’

Hoegh reports that the entire crew is safe and that there is no resulting pollution or obstruction to navigation.    The U.K. Marine Accident Investigation Branch has begun an investigation into the grounding of the car carrier Hoegh Osaka on the Bramble Bank in the Solent, the straight that separates the Isle of Wight from the mainland of England. The vessel grounded on the evening of Saturday, January 3, after departing from Southampton for Bremerhaven, Germany.
   Ingar Skiaker, chief executive officer of Höegh Autoliners, said in a press conference on Sunday that all members of the 25-person crew were successfully evacuated from the vessel, with two sustaining minor injuries for which they have been taken to the hospital.
   “The crew is currently being offered all possible support and assistance to help them cope with the ordeal they have been through,” Skiaker said. “We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this challenging rescue operation, with a special thanks to the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, the RNLI, DNV, Gard and Southampton’s Port Authorities.”
   Skiaker explained that Hoegh Osaka “developed a severe list shortly after she left port, and the pilot and the master took the decision to save the vessel and its crew by grounding her on the bank. This showed great skill and seamanship on behalf of our crew when faced with such challenging circumstances.
   “At this stage, it is too early to speculate on the cause of the list, but we are starting an immediate investigation,” Skiaker continued. “Right now, we have serious work ahead of us in order to free the vessel from the Bramble Bank without disrupting the flow of traffic in and out of the Port of Southampton. Our chief concern now is to ensure there is no environmental damage from this incident.”
   He added, “There is no oil spill reported at this point; however, we understand that the UK authorities have brought their spill response to a state of active readiness. The vessel is currently considered stable, and we are closely working with our appointed salvors Svitzer, who in turn, are working alongside Hugh Shaw, the secretary of state’s representative in maritime salvage and intervention, as well as the Port of Southampton, to prepare for a safe and successful salvage of the vessel with minimal disruption to the port and it environment.”
   The BBC reported there were about 1,400 cars, including 1,200 from Jaguar Land Rover and 65 from Mini, as well as 70 to 80 pieces of construction equipment, aboard the vessel.
   The QE2 ran aground on the Bramble Bank sandbar in 2007.