Listing vessel safe and on even keel after ballast transfer

Taken before the ballast transfer earlier this morning
Photo credit: RNLI/Daniel Whiteley 
The 'MSC Matilde' is safe and on an even keel after listing earlier this morning in Gladstone Dock on the River Mersey.

HM Coastguard was contacted by Peel Ports VTS at around 2.25am today (24 May) to report that the 'MSC Matilde was listing.  The general cargo vessel was reported to have 2,184 containers onboard, the majority of which were empty.

Crosby Coastguard Rescue Team and the RNLI Hoylake all weather lifeboats were sent to the scene, two tugs and a tier 2 pollution response vessel were also on standby as a precautionary measure. 


The MCA’s Duty Counter Pollution & Salvage Officer, Duty Surveyor and the Marine Accident Information Board (MAIB) and the Secretary of State's Representative for Maritime, Salvage and Intervention (SOSREP) have all been informed. 

The 23 crew, who were safe and well,  were taken off the ship as a precautionary measure whilst a ballast transfer took place.  The crew returned to the ship after the ballast transfer around 8am.

Taken later today after the ballast transfer
The vessel is now reported to be back on an even keel with unloading due to commence later today.  An MCA surveyor is currently onboard doing an assessment. No pollution has been reported. 
Further updates will provided. 

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