Encounter

An investigation is continuing into the grounding of the "Encounter" near Greenock's Ocean Terminal. The vessel was heading for the terminal when it became stuck on a sandbank at 5.48 p.m. on Dec 12. The vessel, with 12 crew on board, went ashore about 400 yards west of the terminal and 150 yards from the Esplanade wall. The ship refloated just over two hours later on the incoming tide, with the help of two tugs, and was berthed at the terminal. Now the Government's Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is working with Terminal owners Clydeport to try to establish what happened. The terminal's deputy harbour masteris conducting an investigation into the incident which involves working closely with the MAIB.

On Dec 12, 2011, the "Encounter" ran aground as it entered the port of Greenock. The ship became stuck off the Greenock Esplanade after coming out of the Ocean Terminal at about 6:24.p.m. but could be refloated as the tide rose at about 8.30 p.m. by two tugs. It then continued to the Inverclyde terminal. None of the 12 people on board the vessel was injured. The vessel had already suffered an engine problem when it was south of the Isle of Man early on Dec 11. Coastguard rescue teams and fire and rescue crews including an environmental protection unit had stood by on shore until the ship was safe. Reports with photos: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-16151832 http://inverclydenow.com/news/local/6131-ship-runs-aground-off-greenock-esplanade