VIDEO: Giant box ship remains grounded

FEBRUARY 5, 2016—The 19,000 TEU containership CSCL Indian Ocean this morning remained grounded in the Elbe River off the island of Lühesand on the approach to Hamburg.

The 399.6 m x 58.6 m Hong Kong-flagged giant was carrying some 6,600 containers and on a draft of about 11 m when it went aground Wednesday evening after experiencing a rudder failure. The pilot on board is being praised for preventing the vessel from grounding on the south side of the Elbe and causing damage or blocking the fairway.

Two efforts to free the ship have been unsuccessful. Now, reports broadcaster NDR, the best chance for freeing the vessel will be early Saturday morning.

Currently efforts are being made to dredge sand from around the stern of the ship and to lighten it by removing fuel. It is carrying  2,000 tonnes of heavy fuel and 700 tons of gas oil, according to Havariekommando (Central Command for Marine Emergencies Germany), which has been in control of operations to free the ship since yesterday afternoon.

Once the ship is freed, plans are to tow it to Hamburg.