Update: Hoegh Osaka Self-Floated

Grounded Hoegh Osaka has self-floated at high water and the intention is to tow her to a holding position in Southampton Water pending a full assessment of her condition, the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency said in the latest update.

As informed by the agency, a decision on the next phase of the salvage operation will be made after the assessment.

Plans to attempt to refloat Hoegh Osaka were last reported to had been scrapped by the Svitzer salvor team following the completion of calculations last night, which revealed that more water has entered the vessel than previously thought.

Based on the salvors assessment, the cargo is still in position.

As informed, on one deck plant has moved and caused a slight crack in the hull, allowing for ingress of water below the water line.

However, this was rapidly dealt with when discovered by the salvors and there is no evidence of pollution, according to the update.

Salvors from Svitzer managed to board the grounded car carrier Hoegh Osaka on Monday, January 5th.

Senior national secretary of maritime professionals trade union Nautilus International,  Allan Graveson, voiced the union’s concerns over the safety of car carrier design and operation in a BBC TV interview.

According to Graveson, both vehicle and livestock carriers are built “to the edge of safety for commercial reasons.”

 “There is manifest failure of the regulator that permits the design and operation of ships in this way. Improvements are required and we hope the investigation will examine the root causes of this incident,” he added.

Graveson said the skills and experience of the pilot onboard had helped to prevent a major accident after Hoegh Osaka developed a severe list shortly after leaving port.

World Maritime News Staff