News > Cargo ship stranded in Littlehampton Harbour refloated 18 August 2011

A ship laden with gravel that ran aground in the entrance of Littlehampton Harbour has been successfully refloated.

The coaster vessel, Mungo, operated by Alderney Shipping, became stranded in the mouth of the River Arun in West Sussex at about 15:00 BST on Wednesday.

Solent coastguard said the ship was refloated just after 02:00 BST. None of the crew on board was injured.

Rescue teams had said they were waiting for the next high water on Thursday.

'Possible steering failure'

A spokesman for Solent coastguard said: "She was successfully refloated with no pollution and no damage.

"She is anchored a mile and a half (2.4km) south of Littlehampton at this time, pending a survey, and is expected to berth at Littlehampton this afternoon to unload the cargo."

Four crew and two pilot staff were on board when the Mungo became stranded.

A coastguard rescue team, Shoreham RNLI lifeboat and a tug boat were sent to the scene, Littlehampton Harbour Board said.

It had been thought the vessel could have suffered a possible failure of its steering.

The incident left the harbour entrance blocked, but navigable with care, the harbour board said.

Resource: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-14570166