On January 22, the Hoegh Osaka returned to Southampton after it had been stranded/disabled for three weeks. The car carrier had been laying on its side with a 52 degree list since January 3. The Hoegh Osaka refloated four days later on a high tide, but it took another 19 days until a salvage team was able to re-right the vessel. Delays due to heavy winds and storms kept the vessel on its side while anchored off Lee-on-the-Solent. It’s cargo of 1,200 Jaguar and Land Rovers, Mini and construction equipment will be inspected.
The 180 meter long car carrier Hoegh Osaka remains stuck on Bramble Bank in the Solent. Four tugs were unsuccessful to re-float the vessel off the sankbank. Another attempt will be mad a few days later when the tide is high enough. Owners of the Hoegh Osaka have stated they have made arrangements with Svitzer to handle the salvage.
The Marine Accident Incident Branch has launched an investigation into the incident. Initial reports state the vessel left Southampton only partially loaded or around 1400 vehicles on board. The Hoegh Osaka developed a severe list soon after it left port. The pilot and master on board made the decision to save the vessel by grounding the car carrier onto the sandbank.
The car carrier still contains 500 tons of fuel on board. Reports state there has been no signs of any pollution released. Svitzer has not stated if they plan to pump the fuel off the vessel before the next re-floating attempts are made.
