Quadcopter Footage of Grounded Car Carrier Höegh Osaka
Screen shot via YouTube
The 51,770 gross ton pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) Hoegh Osaka
sits on Bramble Bank heavily listing on her starboard side today in the
Solent. The vessel was deliberately run aground on the sandbar Friday
night after the ship developed a list following departure from
Southampton. The Master/Pilot feared the ship might capsize in the
middle of the channel according to a statement today by Ingar Skiaker,
CEO of Höegh Autoliners, and thus the decision was made to beach her.
“At this stage it’s too early to speculate on the cause
of this accident. The vessel did develop a severe list shortly after she
left port and the pilot and the master made the decision to save the
vessel and the crew by grounding her on the bank. This showed great
skill and seamanship and they had to make quick decision and they did
that in a very good fashion,” said Skiaker.
All crew were safely airlifted to shore and salvage options are currently being assessed.