The RoRo car carrier grounded off Southern England is no stranger to New Zealand waters, having visited our ports to deliver vehicles previously.
The Hoegh Osaka, previously the Maersk Wind, was intentionally beached on a bank in Thorn Channel, near the major port of Southampton on January 3, having developed a severe list as it departed on a trip to Germany.
Twenty-five crew were rescued by a Coastguard helicopter and by lifeboat. Three officers remained on board but were later taken off.
The ship was built in 2000 as Maersk Wind and was sold to Hoegh in 2008.
It is reportedly only one-third full.
Hoegh Autoliners chief executive Ingar Skiaker explained the situation at a press conference.
“Our vessel 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,” Skiaker says. “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 explains. “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.
Pic: Geni
