The Gustav-Maersk: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In the early hours of January 11, 2016, at precisely 2:44 a.m., the container ship 'Gustav Maersk' found itself aground at Torre Cavallo, situated in the Straits of Messina. The vessel was making its way from Rijeka to Gioia Tauro when it encountered difficulties while attempting to dock the pilot after navigating the Straits from south to north. The cause of the grounding remains unclear, as the ship veered off course unexpectedly. The Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) center in Messina quickly alerted the captain regarding the unsafe trajectory of the ship as it approached the coast. Despite these warnings, the ship unfortunately ran aground moments later. In response, the Port Authority of Messina rapidly dispatched two harbor tugs, 'Grifone' and 'Macistone', along with an additional tug, 'Città di Milazzo', from the port of Milazzo, and the patrol boat 'CP 2088'. The Port Authority of Calabria also mobilized the patrol boat 'CP 801' and initiated shore patrols at the incident site. To further mitigate potential environmental risks, the offshore anti-pollution unit from Castalia, named 'Ievoli Red', arrived on the scene for inspections. Meanwhile, pilots from the Piloti del Stretto boarded the 'Gustav Maersk' to ensure safe operations and maintain constant communication with the Messina control center. To address the situation, the team conducted a thorough assessment of the hull's integrity. Subsequently, they ordered the vessel to lighten its ballast, focusing on alleviating the weight at the bow. By 7:30 a.m., with the assistance of two tugs at the stern and the ship's own engine, the 'Gustav Maersk' was successfully refloated. Following confirmation that there were no signs of marine pollution, the ship was escorted to the proximal port of Gioia Tauro. There, an administrative investigation was initiated to ascertain the reasons behind the grounding, and a technical inquiry began as well. The vessel finally docked at the APM North Pier Container Terminal at 11:35 a.m. For local news reports, photographs, and videos detailing the incident, refer to the following links: [Meteoweb](http://www.meteoweb.eu/foto/grossa-nave-mercantile-si-incaglia-nello-stretto-di-messina-paura-a-torre-cavallo-assoluta-assenza-di-inquinamento-marino-gallery/id/828481/#1), [Telemia](http://www.telemia.it/2017/01/nave-portacontainer-gustav-maersk-finisce-sugli-scogli-calabria-dettagli/), [La Rampa](http://www.larampa.it/tag/gustav-maersk/), [Normanno](http://www.normanno.com/primo-piano/nave-si-incaglia-al-largo-villa-s-giovanni-liberata-dalla-capitaneria-porto-messina/), [Repubblica](https://video.repubblica.it/cronaca/calabria-mercantile-si-incaglia-nessun-pericolo/264742/265113), [Mondonavi Forum](http://mondonavi.forumfree.it/?t=73521240#.WHSjMV6JMvQ.facebook), and [Facebook link](https://www.facebook.com/salvatore.maruca.7/posts/711948505649002).