Huge container ship transporting bananas hits whale on the way to Portsmouth

Huge container ship transporting bananas hits whale on the way to Portsmouth
Tom Cotterill 31 Dec 2019 https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/people/huge-container-ship-transportin...

AN ENORMOUS cargo container transporting tonnes of bananas has struck a whale on its way into Portsmouth sparking an emergency operation.

The Cote d’Ivoirian has been anchored off the east coast of the Isle of Wight since this morning after hitting the sea creature.

One source claimed the 185m ship hit the mammal - which is still stuck to the bow - as it approached Portsmouth Harbour.

The crew reported the incident to the coastguard shortly after 9am and were held off the Portsmouth coast during an investigation.

A coastguard spokeswoman said: ‘HM Coastguard received a report just after 9am today from a cargo vessel approaching the Solent with a deceased whale trapped on its bow.

‘The agency’s receiver of wreck and counter pollution teams have been informed and the situation is being monitored.’

The ship is being taken in by three tugs.

The monster reefer vessel was held off the coast of the Isle of Wight for almost seven hours.

It is now making its way towards Portsmouth to deliver its cargo to Portsmouth International Port on behalf of council-owned fruit handling specialists Portico - formerly known as MMD Ltd.

It’s understood the whale is still attached to the vessel.

Cote d’Ivoirian is one of four container ships operated by African Express Line

Reefer vessels are traditionally used for transporting fresh produce.