The UK Maritime Pilots Association praised the actions of three ship pilots who managed to prevent the grounding of one of the world’s largest containerships in the Solent after a loss of engine power.
The incident took place on January 26 after the MOL Treasure’s recent call at the Port of Southampton. According to the UKMPA, the ship departed the Port of Southampton around 1100 local time with two pilots on board.
During its passage through the Solent, the MOL Treasure developed a significant reduction in engine power. At the time an escort tug was with the vessel and the Southampton Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) sent another three tugs to help.
For 10 hours, whilst the Chief Engineer set about trying to identify the issue with the engines, Pilots Hoyle and Dunn worked with the tugs to keep the ship from drifting and grounding. This was only possible due to their unique understanding of the waters in this very tricky tidal area of the Solent
the UKMPA said.
Eventually, a third pilot, Captain Richard Harding, was brought on board to join the effort.
Finally, shortly before midnight, after more than 10 hours with only significantly reduced power available, the MOL Treasure was safely maneuvered back to port.
Without the skills of Pilots working as a team with the Port’s maritime management team involving Harbour Masters, Tug crews, Southampton VTS, and the respective port management staff, the outcome could have been vastly different
UKMPA added.
The news from the UKMPA comes just a few weeks after a UK ship pilot lost his life during a pilot transfer in northern England’s Humber.
