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Huge container ship runs aground in the Solent

A giant container ship has run aground on the notorious Bramble Bank in The Solent.

UPDATE: Huge container ship 'freed' after running aground

APL Vanda is twice the size of the Hoegh Osaka Credit: MarineTraffic.com

An enormous cargo ship which ran aground on the notorious Bramble Bank overnight, is now back in port after being pulled into deeper water.

The 150,000 tonne APL Vanda was en-route from Le Havre to Southampton when she was grounded off the Isle of Wight at around 10pm on Saturday.

It's believed the grounding was intentional following a loss of power.

APL Vanda was heading to Southampton from Le Havre Credit: UKNIP

The Singapore-registered cargo ship is more than twice the size of the Hoegh Osaka, which was deliberately grounded in the same location in January last year.

The 51,000 ton car transporter was the subject of the largest ever maritime rescue which saw her returned to port several weeks later.

Last night's operation was more straightforward thanks to the skill of eight tugboat teams.

Eight tugs were involved in the rescue operation Credit: UKNIP

APL Vanda was pulled into deeper water shortly after midnight and has now returned to port safely.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency told us they're continuing to monitor the situation

"A large container ship has executed a controlled grounding this evening at Bramble Bank, in Southampton Water, following a loss of power.

"Port of Southampton Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) has sent eight tugs to the vessel.

"At this time no damage or pollution has been reported, the Coastguard continue to monitor the situation."

– MCA statement
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Huge container ship runs aground in the Solent

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