SHIPS collided in the night off the coast of Felixstowe, it emerged today.The accident ten miles south east of the Suffolk town, involved the container ship the Sealand Florida and the permanently-anchored Sunk Lightship.
SHIPS collided in the night off the coast of Felixstowe, it emerged today.
The accident ten miles south east of the Suffolk town, involved the container ship the Sealand Florida and the permanently-anchored Sunk Lightship.
Both ships were damaged in the impact, and the lightship later had to be replaced.
The Sealand Florida suffered dents and gouges to its paintwork, but its crew were able to sail it on to their destination of the United States.
The accident happened at 12.10am yesterday .
Thames coastguard watch officer Mark Baker said today: "The Sealand Florida suffered a few dents and damage to the paintwork, but it was going quite slowly at the time so I would call it a glancing blow. It was certainly able to carry on unimpeded.
"The lightship has since been exchanged."
Staff from Trinity House in Harwich, which runs the lightships and buoys, are believed to have visited the scene of the accident yesterday.
A spokesman for the company was unavailable to comment today.
A spokeswoman for Maersk Sealand based in Felixstowe today confirmed the container ship was owned in the United States.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here