Major operation to rescue stricken Hoegh Osaka ship resumes in The Solent

The stricken Hoegh Osaka could be stranded in The Solent for days, if not weeks after it was deliberately grounded to avoid capsizing.

This morning the 51,000 tonne vessel lies like a beached whale on the Bramble Bank a day after a dramatic rescue saw its 24-man crew and pilot winched to safety by Coastguard helicopter and RNLI boats.

The boss of the vessel's owner last night said the ship had been affected by problems as soon as it left Southampton Docks at 8.20pm on Saturday.

Investigations have been launched by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Associated British Ports to establish what went wrong.

Ingar Skiaker, chief executive of Hoegh Autoliners, told a press conference: “The vessel developed a severe list shortly after leaving port and the master and pilot made the decision to save the vessel and its crew by grounding it on the bank. They showed great skill and seamanship on behalf of our crew when faced with such challenging circumstances.”

Ingar Skiaker

Mr Skiaker said he would not speculate on what caused the listing, whether it was a mechanical problem or human error.

“It is too early to speculate on the cause of the accident. We have to talk to the people involved,” he added.

Several theories have emerged about why the ship may have been destabilised they include · Some of the 1,400 vehicles came loose because they had been poorly secured; · There was an issue with the management of the ship's fuel or ballast as the vessel turned left at the Bramble Bank; · A problem with the rudder.

But Nick Ridehalgh, ABP port director at Southampton, questioned at the press conference at the Grand Harbour Hotel, said it was possible that human error may have played a part.

“There could be an element of human error. We won't know until the investigation is complete.”

He agreed that the master and pilot's action had prevented disaster.

“There was potential if the action hadn't happened for the vessel to capsize.”

He added that while the ship remained on the sandbank is was not affecting access for other vessels coming in and out of the port.

Meanwhile the salvage operation will last some time.

Photo: Paul Collins

Hugh Shaw, secretary of state's representative for maritime salvage, said the operation would take days, possibly weeks.

The weather is due to start deteriorating on Wednesday and extra tugs may be drafted in to keep it secure.

Salvage firm Svitzer has been called in and yesterday their experts made an initial assessment but did not go aboard the vessel which was last night listing at 52 degrees.

Svitzer also met other stakeholders including port bosses, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch in Southampton yesterday, said Mr Shaw.

Mr Shaw said: “Fifty two degrees is substantial. It will be very difficult for anyone going on board to work in the vessel.”

He said Svitzer would gather information for a salvage plan.

“We are not looking at a quick fix. This will take time to ensure a proper assessment is made and we get a proper plan in place before we attempt to refloat the vessel and bring her into port.

“It is certainly going to be days, going on over a week.”

Mr Shaw added: “The weather is looking favourable up to Wednesday. We will try to do as much assessment as we can before that time and put together a plan for moving the vessel.

“If the weather deteriorates we will looking to bring in other tugs to ensure 24/7 the vessel is held in position.”

The recovery operation may need more than just a high tide and powerful tugs.

Air bags may be needed as well as a crane. A decision will have to be taken on whether to remove the 1,400 vehicles it was carrying.

Mr Shaw added it was likely that some of those vehicles had come loose.

“There is a high probability some cargo will have shifted. It is important we do know where the weights are.”

The liner, Concordia, that grounded off Italy, took a year to recover.

A 200 metre exclusion zone has been set up around Hoegh Osaka to prevent small vessels interfering with the tugs and other recovery vessels.

Mr Skiaker said the priority was to prevent any pollution spillage of the 500 tonnes of oil and diesel which the vessel was carrying.

Photo: Paul Collins

“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.

“An investigation is ongoing as to what occurred last night and that is being conducted by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.”

He said: “Our chief concern now is to ensure there is no environmental damage from this incident. 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 vessel had 1,400 cars and heavy equipment, only about a third of its capacity. The cars include prestige and standard brands.

Mr Skiaker said he did not know how much the cargo was worth and did not say how much it was insured for.