The cargo vessel HC EVA-MARIE, carrying munitions, sought refuge in the Port of Vigo, Spain, after some of its containers broke loose during the storm Eowyn.
The vessel, en route from Jordan to Germany, was transporting howitzers and shells. Storm Eowyn had caused the cargo to shift resulting in nine of the 96 containers breaking free, with some sustaining damage. With the approaching storm Herminia threatening further cargo loss, the decision was made to dock the vessel in the Port of Vigo.
The poor sea state made it impossible for the ship to continue sailing, as this would pose a risk both to the ship itself and to navigation, given the possibility of cargo loss.
…the Vigo Port Authority (APV) said in a statement.
The ship arrived at Vigo on 26 January and has been stationed at the Transversal Pier, a designated area for vessels with dangerous cargo. The ship is being guarded by private security, port police and the civil guard, as reported. As of now, the vessel remains docked at the port, where efforts to secure the cargo are underway.
Furthermore, a preliminary inspection was conducted on 1 February by an engineer from the shipping company, alongside the head of the port authority’s security division and company representatives. The inspection confirmed that the cargo remained intact, with only the external structure of the containers damaged.
The shipping company clarified that the shells had been dismantled in compliance with international shipping standards. Additionally, a plan is being formulated to securely transfer the cargo between holds and isolate the damaged containers.
Specialized personnel will shift the cargo into new containers and the shipping company has emphasized that no containers will be offloaded onto the port.
