According to local media reports, the diversion report of the "MSC Michigan VII" (built in 2000, 6648TEU) said that the main engine of the ship suddenly lost power, and the US Coast Guard received the report and urgently closed the bridge for fear of a possible collision. The bridge was reopened only after the ship broke down safely.
According to reports, after the ship left the North Charleston Container Terminal, the main engine was originally in a state of "extremely slow" speed, and began to accelerate without warning, almost at full speed at 14-17 knots, and was unable to respond to commands.
"Thank you to our partners on the ground in South Carolina and Charleston for their swift response and assistance in clearing the waterway and halting vehicular traffic on the bridge," said Randy Preston, Charleston Coast Guard. ”
"I would also like to thank the Port of Charleston for its excellent coordination of the water diversion and the ability to direct the ship to the open water without causing major accidents, aware of the adverse situation."
He added, "I don't want to speculate on whether it will be a disaster, but any time the ship loses power, it's worrying." ”
Currently, the U.S. Coast Guard is working with local authorities to investigate the causes of these problems.
