Tugs tow stricken container ship to port

Eight tug boats have towed a giant container ship ashore after it ran aground in the Solent last night.

By The Newsroom

Published 14th Feb 2016, 09:20 GMT

Updated 17th Feb 2016, 07:54 GMT

Tugs towing the APL Vanda into Southampton

Picture: Jason Kay — Tugs towing the APL Vanda into Southampton Picture: Jason Kay

The 370m long APL Vanda lost power and deliberately ran aground on Bramble Bank as it was heading into Southampton. It is the same spot the stricken Hoegh Osaka, carrying millions of pounds worth of luxury cars, ran aground a year ago.

Vanda, a Singapore-registered ship weighing more than 150,000 tons, got into trouble at 9.45pm last night.

The tugs from Port of Southampton Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) were able to tow her back at high tide overnight.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said no damage or pollution has been reported but they are continuing to monitor the situation.

Southampton