Update: Hoegh Osaka Under Tow
Grounded car carrier vessel Hoegh Osaka self floated at 1:55 p.m., and all salvors had left the vessel safely, the U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency reported.
The ship, which is still listed, is currently under tow to a holding position two miles east of the original grounding position. This new location is inside the Queen's Harbor Master Portsmouth (QHM) jurisdiction and is close to the area called Spitbank.
The tow is being carried out by Svitzer, the salvors, and the new holding position will allow a full assessment of her condition.
Queen’s Harbor Master Portsmouth has established a temporary exclusion zone of 300 meters around the vessel.
Disruption to the Port of Southampton is minimal; there will be a slight restriction in traffic movements until the Hoegh Osaka is clear of the main channel, but no closure of the port is anticipated.
