RNLI HOYLAKE ATTENDS TIPPED CONTAINER SHIP

The ship was reportedly carrying millions of pounds worth of goods at the time of the incident


By Jenny KirkhamNight Reporter


Unbelievable footage shows the moment lifeboat crews arrived to the scene where a container ship was tipping over.
The emergency services were called to assist at Liverpool2 in the early hours of Friday morning after the MSC Matilde began to tip over as it was docking. 




Published on 24 May 2019

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Hoylake RNLI lifeboat was tasked by the UK Coastguard at 2.44am following reports of a loaded container ship listing and in danger of capsize at the Liverpool2 Container Terminal. Hoylake’s volunteer crew were paged in the early hours of Friday 24 May and the all-weather Shannon class lifeboat Edmund Hawthorn Micklewood launched within minutes. The RNLI lifeboat arrived on scene in the River Mersey shortly after launching and found the 294m vessel loaded with containers and listing to starboard away from the river berth. Her 23 crew members had been evacuated safely to the shore and a number of commercial tugs were already on scene standing by. Crosby Coastguard Rescue Team were also on the quayside to offer support. The RNLI lifeboat waited a safe distance away from the container ship while some of her crew re-boarded to assess the ship's condition and attempt to correct her list. After several hours, once the vessel was upright again, Maritime and Coastguard Agency surveyors were brought on board to check the ship for damage and confirm that she was safe and seaworthy. Once it was confirmed by the Coastguard that the container ship was no longer at risk, Hoylake RNLI lifeboat was stood down having remained on standby to offer support for a total of 10 hours. Hoylake RNLI Coxswain Andy Dodd said: ‘Liverpool and the River Mersey are increasingly busy with commercial traffic and this incident shows some of the significant risks that come with operations in a major port.’ ‘Thanks to the efforts of the container ship’s crew, they were able to prevent the incident from becoming much more serious and ultimately save their vessel. Hoylake’s volunteer crew were glad to be of service throughout this challenging incident to provide support as needed.’

Published on 24 May 2019

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Hoylake RNLI lifeboat was tasked by the UK Coastguard at 2.44am following reports of a loaded container ship listing and in danger of capsize at the Liverpool2 Container Terminal. Hoylake’s volunteer crew were paged in the early hours of Friday 24 May and the all-weather Shannon class lifeboat Edmund Hawthorn Micklewood launched within minutes. The RNLI lifeboat arrived on scene in the River Mersey shortly after launching and found the 294m vessel loaded with containers and listing to starboard away from the river berth. Her 23 crew members had been evacuated safely to the shore and a number of commercial tugs were already on scene standing by. Crosby Coastguard Rescue Team were also on the quayside to offer support. The RNLI lifeboat waited a safe distance away from the container ship while some of her crew re-boarded to assess the ship's condition and attempt to correct her list. After several hours, once the vessel was upright again, Maritime and Coastguard Agency surveyors were brought on board to check the ship for damage and confirm that she was safe and seaworthy. Once it was confirmed by the Coastguard that the container ship was no longer at risk, Hoylake RNLI lifeboat was stood down having remained on standby to offer support for a total of 10 hours. Hoylake RNLI Coxswain Andy Dodd said: ‘Liverpool and the River Mersey are increasingly busy with commercial traffic and this incident shows some of the significant risks that come with operations in a major port.’

Pictures taken on the docks showed the ship from Panama, which was reportedly carrying millions of pounds worth of goods, dangerously listing to the right but now, video taken on the water shows just how bad the situation was. 
A spokesperson for the RLNI confirmed that Hoylake 's volunteer crew were paged in the early hours  to offer support to the vessel alongside Crosby Coastguard. 
The RNLI were sent to assist when a container ship started to tip as it docked at Liverpool 2 
A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "HM Coastguard was contacted by Peel Ports VTS at around 2.25am today (24 May) to report that a container vessel was listing just outside Gladstone Dock on the River Mersey."     
"Crosby Coastguard Rescue Team and the RNLI Hoylake all weather lifeboats have been sent to the scene, two tugs and a tier 2 pollution response vessel are on standby as a precautionary measure. MCA’s Duty Counter Pollution & Salvage Officer, Duty Surveyor and the Marine Accident Information Board have been informed.
  
"All ship’s crew onboard are safe and well. "
"The vessel is now reported to be back on an even keel following a ballast transfer with unloading due to commence later today."
The RNLI were sent to assist when a container ship started to tip as it docked at Liverpool 2 
The RNLI were sent to assist when a container ship started to tip as it docked at Liverpool 2 
The crew eventually returned to the ship at 8.30am once the vessel was righted.
A spokesperson from Peel Ports said: “We can confirm at 2am this morning, Friday 24th May, a container vessel at the Port of Liverpool started to list. We immediately instigated the emergency response procedure under the leadership of the Group Harbour Master.
  
"A controlled and safe evacuation of the vessel was completed in the early hours of this morning whilst the vessel was under maritime assessment.
“As of 08:00 the vessel was stable and maritime assessments by Port State Control are continuing.
The RNLI were sent to assist when a container ship started to tip as it docked at Liverpool 2 
“The health and safety of our employees, customers and contractors remains our priority.
"In line with Maritime Law, State Control need to complete their inspections to ensure the vessel is sail worthy in UK and International waters.”
Hoylake RNLI lifeboat was stood down having remained on standby to offer support for a total of 10 hours.
Hoylake RNLI Coxswain Andy Dodd said: "Liverpool and the River Mersey are increasingly busy with commercial traffic and this incident shows some of the significant risks that come with operations in a major port.’

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