The 180 meter long, 16886 dwt car carrier Hoegh Osaka ran aground  in the Solent off the Isle of Wight, England.  The Hoegh Osaka was en route to Bremerhaven, Germany when the vessel suffered a mechanical malfunction.  The Hoegh Osaka made a sharp turn and ran up on the Bramble Bank.  The car carrier quickly listed over 45 degrees to starboard.  Reports state some of the crew found themselves in the water from the step listing.

Four RNLI lifeboats, from Calshot, Cowes and Yarmouth, were quickly dispatched to the scene along with the Solent Coastguard helicopter and other vessels from Southampton. Efforts focused on rescuing the crew from the water and off those still on the car carrier. One crewman from the Hoegh Osaka broke his leg during the incident. Rescuers pulled 23 of the 25 crew off the car carrier while the Captain and First Officer elected to stay on board to assist with recovery efforts.

Tugs arrived on scene and attempted to keep the car carrier upright on the sandbank, but the vessel’s list increased during the ebb tide. With the increase list, the Captain and First Officer were later airlifted off the vessel.  Reports state that efforts to refloat the Hoegh Osaka would be attempted on the following high tide. Reports state the Hoegh Osaka has blocked vessel traffic in and out of Southampton.