Höegh Osaka self-floated, salvors to tow to port

Reports that the vessel’s listing was caused by an improperly-secured JCB excavator puncturing a hole in the vessel’s hull are “totally wrong” according to Höegh Autoliners spokesman Mark Clark. “Some of the cargo had broken loose after the accident, causing a small rent in the hull. The Marine Accident Investigation Bureau has to investigate. We await the result with interest.”

“The vessel 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. A decision on the next phase of the salvage operation will be made after the assessment.”

UK’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency previously announced the decision to delay the refloating of the vessel yesterday evening after salvors Svitzer found that “more water has entered the vessel than previously thought.”

Höegh Osaka was grounded deliberately by its pilot and master on Bramble Bank outside the port of Southampton on Saturday after the ship developed a severe list of over 45 degrees.