The 229 meter long, 27000 dwt car carrier Hoegh Asia ran aground at the entrance of Livorno, Italy. The vessel was entering the port with 6000 cars on board when it struck bottom. The Hoegh Asia remained firmly aground on the sandy bottom until the next day. Several tugs were able to refloat the vessel after shifting vehicles on the cargo decks. The car carrier proceeded into Livorno where it berthed. No reports of injuries or pollution being released. The Italian Coast Guard has dispatched inspectors to assess if the vessel suffered any hull damage.
