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Ship has close shave with wall as it runs aground

Ian Clark Dark blue cargo ship with red hull close to a stone wall with a path, bench with people sitting on it edged by grass and trees.Ian Clark
The container ship came close to a wall

A cargo ship came at close quarters with a wall before running aground as it left its berth.

The CMA CGM Pelleas took a direct path towards the wall in front of waterside flats off Marchwood, Southampton, on Wednesday lunchtime.

After it beached briefly, tugs assisted and the 350m (1,148 ft) long ship was pulled away.

The vessel, which according to its schedule arrived on Tuesday, is currently docked in Southampton and is due in Rotterdam at the weekend.

Ian Clark Stone wall with water beyond and red hull with the ship's bulbous bow seen the body of the ship is dark blue.Ian Clark
The ship's red bulbous bow could be seen above the water

Associated British Ports (ABP), the city's port owners, said: "The incident was rectified quickly, and the vessel returned to its berth.

"No injuries have been reported. ABP will play its role in any subsequent review of the incident."

ABP added the matter had been referred to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

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