80 Metre Ship Stuck At Littlehampton Harbour

An 80 metre ship was stuck at Littlehampton Harbour after one of it's moorings became loose this morning (Tuesday 30).

According to Littlehampton Harbour, the ELISE entered the harbour at around 1.15am and was moored by 1.45am.

Discharge of her cargo took place soon after.

One of her mooring lines parted at around 3.30am after the tide fell and she had settled onto her mud berth.

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

A spokesperson from the harbour said:

"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."

The vessel is expected to refloat on the rising tide, when the intention is to return her to an alternate berth at high water (at around 1pm) to allow discharge to continue.

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.

Harbour users should listen to VHF 71 for updates.

(Image taken by Cirsty Elder)

She was released from the River Arun's bank and safely moored up by 2pm.

(video and images by Alf Mellor)

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