Eastern 035/00
15 December 2000

MCA COUNTER POLLUTION TEAM ASSIST AFTER SHIP BECOMES STUCK

Following the mobilisation of the MCA’s Counter Pollution team on 14 December 2000 after the Antiguan general cargo vessel `Lagik' became stuck across the River Nene at Port Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire, a small quantity of oil was seen floating on the surface of the River Nene late yesterday afternoon.

Throughout the day experts monitored the vessel to assess its potential damage.  The vessel remained stuck during the morning high tide, and salvage companies were called in to recommend ways of removing the vessel. 

The `Lagik' had travelled from Norway and was due to unload its cargo of steel at port Sutton Bridge when her stern became stuck on the river bank opposite as the vessel was being turned.  As the tide was falling at the time the resulting stress on the ship cracked the ships side by way of the engine room and hatch bulkhead causing the engine room to take in water.  The vessel is 92.4m long, 11.3 m wide and with a full load of cargo has a potential weight of 2,500 tonnes.

All seven crew were safely off the vessel and there was no danger to life or limb, and there were no reported injuries.  The vessel has 27,000 litres of diesel oil on board, 1600 litres of lubricating oil and 400 litres of hydraulic oil.  However the lubricating and hydraulic oils are secure, in addition to almost all of the diesel oil.  Only 3,000 litres of diesel oil were considered at risk. 

The incident has meant that the Port of Wisbech is currently closed, with vessels being diverted to other local ports including Sutton Bridge and Kings Lynn.  There were no commercial vessels at Wisbech at the time of the incident.

Last night Alison Dehrmann, Principal Counter pollution, and Salvage Officer for the Maritime & Coastguard Agency said, " Every care is being taken to ensure that the small amount of oil leaking from the vessel does not cause any local damage to the environment.  We are working very closely with environmental organisations and local authorities and will be flying over the vessel at first light tomorrow to check there has been no change”.

The Secretary of State's Representative in Maritime Salvage and Intervention Robin Middleton is on scene and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch will be conducting an independent investigation into the situation.