On 9 April, the Maltese-flagged container ship CMA CGM Pelleas (IMO: 9365788) ran aground in the English Channel off the coast of Southampton, UK. The 350-metre-long, 120,853-dwt vessel made a navigational error while leaving its berth and nearly collided with a retaining wall, but eventually ran aground next to it.
Thanks to the prompt actions of the port tugs, the vessel was quickly refloated and returned to the berth. There were no casualties in the incident. CMA CGM Pelleas will be inspected for possible damage.
Southampton Port operator Associated British Ports (ABP) said the situation was quickly brought under control. The Marine Casualty Investigation Branch (MAIB) has launched a formal investigation into the cause of the incident.
