Containership Loses Engine Power Off California Coast

[Sherman A1]

A Singapore-flagged containership went adrift after losing engine power off the coast of California, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The crew of the 564-foot Wan Hai 176 told Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders that the ship started drifting as the result of mechanical problems on Friday. The ship has 21 people on board, and no injuries have been reported.

The Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Office of Spill Prevention and Response and Marin County established a unified command to continue its response to the ship located approximately seven miles off the coast of Point Reyes, Calif.

The Wan Hai 176 remained stable at anchor overnight while tugs transited to the ship’s location. The tugs Stacey Foss, Delta Deanna and Delta Billie are on scene to assist. Due to rough weather the towing vessels have been unable to deploy lines to tow the ship.

https://www.marinelink.com/news/containership-loses-engine-power-off-495682

[Auggie]

1. Higher winds forecast today and tomorrow

Hope they can bring it into safe harbor ASAP

[Rebl2]

2. Just curious

Have there always been problems with container ships long before the pandemic?

[mn9driver]

3. They have only one main engine. If it quits, they're adrift.

They are diesels, about 40 feet high and 80 feet long. The engine alone weighs about 2000 tons. They run at about 100 rpm and don’t break down very often.

[Brother Buzz]

4. It's under tow and, well, the wind and a tailing sea is totally helping

It should be under the Golden Gate Bridge before six pm. Looks like it's out near the light bucket right now.

[Brother Buzz]

5. Slipped under the Golden Gate Bridge with a four tug escort at 5:54pm