80 metre ship stuck at harbour in Sussex

An 80 metre ship is currently stuck at a harbour in Sussex.
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The vessel Elise, which entered Littlehampton Harbour in West Sussex in the early hours of the morning, drifted out into the river after one of its mooring lines parted, according to a harbour spokesman.

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It was then secured and the ship is currently ‘safely grounded’, the spokesman confirmed.

The ship at Littlehampton Harbour. Photo by Eddie MitchellThe ship at Littlehampton Harbour. Photo by Eddie Mitchell
The ship at Littlehampton Harbour. Photo by Eddie Mitchell

The vessel will refloat when the tides rises, at which point it will be taken to a different berth at the harbour.

The river is still open for navigation, as there is sufficient space to navigate between the vessel and the west bank, according to the Harbour Board.

However a brief closure of the river between the Red Footbridge and Littlehampton Marina will be required at high water today.

The ship at Littlehampton Harbour. Photo by Eddie MitchellThe ship at Littlehampton Harbour. Photo by Eddie Mitchell
The ship at Littlehampton Harbour. Photo by Eddie Mitchell
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Photos show the ship in a diagonal position across the river, in scenes reminiscent of the recent situation in the Suez Canal, where the giant ship Ever Given became stranded.

In a statement on Facebook, a Littlehampton Harbour spokesman said: “The 80 metre ship ELISE entered the harbour at 1.15am this morning. She was moored by 1.45am and discharge of her cargo commenced soon after.

“As the tide fell and she settled onto her mud berth, one of her mooring lines parted at 3.30am.

“The vessel’s stern then moved out approximately 30 metres into the river before coming to rest on the remaining mooring lines.

The ship in LittlehamptonThe ship in Littlehampton
The ship in Littlehampton
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“Harbour tug ERICA was dispatched to ensure all was stable and harbour staff assisted in putting further lines put ashore.

“The vessel is currently safely grounded along her full length (only further out than usual) with sufficient lines ashore.

“There is no evidence of damage to the vessel. There has been no pollution or injuries.

“She will refloat on the rising tide and the intention is to then return her to an alternate berth at high water (around 1pm) to allow discharge to continue.

The ship at Littlehampton Harbour. Photo by Eddie MitchellThe ship at Littlehampton Harbour. Photo by Eddie Mitchell
The ship at Littlehampton Harbour. Photo by Eddie Mitchell
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“The river currently remains open for the navigation of all craft because there is sufficient space to navigate between the vessel and the west bank.

“A brief closure of the river between the Red Footbridge and Littlehampton Marina will be required at high water today (in a similar to a normal shopping arrival or departure).

“Harbour users should as usual listen to VHF 71 for updates.”