The Singapore-registered car-carrying ship the Hoegh Osaka benefited from a high tide and re-floated itself after running aground on Bramble Bank in the Solent on Saturday.
So overnight the stricken car ship was towed in an easterly direction down the Solent to Alpha Anchorage between East Cowes and Lee-on-the-Solvent where it was being secured by two tug-boats so damage could be investigated.
Initial reports said more water than anticipated had entered the ship.
Despite being able to float, the massive ship was still listing badly and faces a significant salvage operation however there is currently only minimal disruption to the busy Port of Southampton.
But that’s all bad news for the prospective owners of the 1400 shiny new British-built cars on-board.
The list includes 1200 assorted Jaguars, Land Rovers and Range Rovers, 65 Minis, one Rolls-Royce Wraith and 105 JCB tractors/farm machines all apparently destined for the Middle East.
Reports suggest a problem with the ship’s ballast or perhaps an insecure load saw it list badly shortly after leaving Southampton at 8:20pm GMT on Saturday night and, in order to prevent further damage, the crew deliberately ran it aground on Bramble Bank at 9:30pm.
So if any dodgy characters offer you a cheap Jag or Roller with the proviso “It’s been for a little swim but it’s now OK,”…might be best to not go ahead with that one.
