Shipping

Cargo Ship Runs Aground on Sandbank off Isle of Wight

A container ship named One Maneuver, en route to Rotterdam from Southampton, ran aground on the Bramble Bank sandbar in the Solent on Tuesday at around 15:00 BST.

The ship, owned by Mitsui OSK, encountered a power failure shortly after departing, causing it to become stranded on the triangular sandbank.

The ship was carrying containers at the time of the incident, and an inspection has since revealed "low-key" damage. According to a spokesperson for the vessel’s owner, Mark Clark, the ship's water ballast tank, which helps maintain stability, was breached, but no significant repairs are anticipated.

"She's been relocated to a deep-water anchorage southeast of the Isle of Wight," Mr. Clark stated. "The damage is minor, and once the full inspection is completed in daylight, she will continue her voyage to Rotterdam as planned."

ABP, the owner of the Port of Southampton, confirmed that there was no spill from the vessel, and no environmental impact has been reported in the Solent.

Bramble Bank, situated between the Isle of Wight and Southampton Water, is a notorious hazard for vessels. The location has seen previous incidents, most notably in January 2015 when the 51,000-tonne Hoegh Osaka ran aground, listing at 52 degrees for 19 days. The vessel was transporting approximately £60 million worth of machinery and cars, including Jaguars, Land Rovers, and Minis, at the time.

Bramble Bank is also famous for hosting an annual cricket match, which takes place during low tide. In September, it hosted its 40th match, where two teams took to the exposed sand to compete in this unusual tradition.