The 136 meter long, 9335 dwt container ship Encounter suffered multiple problems over an 48 hour period.  On December 11, the Encounter had suffered engine problems while off the coast of the Isle of Man.   The vessel was able to continue its voyage and proceeded to Greenock, Scotland.    On December 12, the containership was leaving Greenock terminal when it struck a sandbar just before low tide.   The Encounter remained aground until next high tide when two tugs were able to refloat the vessel.  No reports of injuries to the 12 crew on board and no pollution was released.