Working Conditions Aboard the Msc-Nagoya-V

On the evening of December 23, 2013, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the CROSS Etel received an urgent alert from the container ship 'Cosco Nagoya,' which reported the loss of 79 containers while navigating 200 nautical miles off the coast of Penmarc'h. The vessel, en route from Rotterdam, via Le Havre on December 22, was headed for New York when adverse weather conditions led to instability in its cargo. Alarmingly, an additional 50 containers were noted as having either toppled or become unstable. Fortunately, the ship itself did not sustain any structural damage and remained seaworthy despite the challenging conditions in the Atlantic. Subsequently, the 'Cosco Nagoya' altered its course back to Le Havre, anticipated to arrive on December 25 at 8 a.m., cruising at a speed of 15 knots. To oversee the unfolding situation, a customs aircraft was deployed in the morning hours for reconnaissance. In addition, the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Navy communicated potential sightings of floating containers in the vicinity. The maritime prefecture of the English Channel and the North Sea, in collaboration with CROSS Joburg, monitored the ongoing developments closely. To mitigate the risk of further container loss, the emergency tug 'Abeille Liberté,' stationed near the northwest tip of Cotentin, was dispatched to escort the 'Cosco Nagoya' through the busy traffic separation scheme of the Caskets. Upon arrival at Le Havre, a specialized team was scheduled to board the vessel at its waiting area to assess the cargo situation and prepare for docking. For more details, visit the French report with images at: http://www.premar-manche.gouv.fr/actualites-communiques-presse/cosco-nagoya-escorte-jusqu-havre.html. Additional photos can be accessed here: http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1944273.