EMEA News
No Bunker Spill After Singapore Registered Car Transporter is Deliberately Run Aground
A Singapore registered car carrier Saturday was deliberately run aground off the Isle of Wight, UK after it started to list shortly after leaving the Port of Southampton, the BBC reports.
Vessel owners Hoegh Autoliners say that "no oil or other substances" have leaked from the vessel.
"There has been no release of oil into the environment and we are determined to keep the situation that way - we are not looking for a quick fix here," said Ingar Skiaker, chief executive, Hoegh Autoliners.
All 25 crew members who were onboard were reported to have been recused, and a salvage operation is underway.
"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," explained Skiaker.
"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.
"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.
The National Police Air Service (NPAS) Bournemouth have tweeted several images of the vessel, which is now said to be listing at 52 degrees.
