VIDEO: Gustav Maersk Refloated after Grounding off Italy

The 9,038 TEU container vessel Gustav Maersk was refloated after it ran aground in the Messina Strait, Italy in the early morning hours on January 10, Maersk Line’s spokesperson informed.

Assisted by three tugs, the 2008-built vessel was refloated at 7.30 am local time, some five hours after it ran into trouble, and proceeded by own power to Gioia Tauro.

At the time of the incident the 367-meter-long containership was en route from the Croatian port of Rijeka to Gioia Tauro, where it is still moored, according to AIS data provided by MarineTraffic.

Maersk Line spokesperson said that all crew is safe and accounted for and no pollution or damage to cargo was reported.

“In Gioia Tauro all cargo is being discharged and repair plans will be made for the vessel. Cargo contingency plans are being made and will be covered within Maersk Line’s existing network. Customers will be directly informed in case of delays,” according to the company.

Maersk Line, which launched an investigation into the incident, informed that initial findings do not indicate that any technical failure caused the incident.

Video Courtesy: Italian Coast Guard