Revealed: Hoegh Osaka rescue mission cost £10million

International marine experts mounted a huge mission to save the giant Hoegh Osaka car transporter after it ran aground beside busy shipping lanes off the Isle of Wight.

Now a year on from that fateful night a major report into what went wrong has yet to be released.

One year ago - look back at the Hoegh Osaka accident with these dramatic pictures of the incident

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is due to publish its findings, but says it has yet to finalise a date for the report’s release.

It comes as maritime experts estimate the costs of the mission and the subsequent costs to cover damage both to the ship and its cargo are likely to hit the £10 million mark.

The 50,000 tonne ship had just left Southampton docks, bound for Germany with 1,400 cars on board, when disaster struck.

Water started pouring into the vessel after one of the diggers it was carrying came loose and smashed into the hull, punching a hole in the side of the ship.

As disaster loomed, the Singapore-registered transporter was deliberately beached on the Bramble Bank sandbar to prevent it capsizing.

Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of the drama that made headlines around the world.

Solent Coastguard and the RNLI launched a major rescue operation to save the 25 crew on board. One had to be pulled from the water and another suffered a broken leg.

The following day thousands of spectators flocked to the shoreline to catch a glimpse of the huge car carrier listing at a crazy angle.

As international salvage experts drew up plans to recover the ship it dramatically refloated itself at high tide.

But the swirling waters caused the vessel to rotate 180 degrees, sparking fears that the ship would wander into busy shipping lanes.

Hugh Shaw, the secretary of state’s representative for maritime salvage, said the Hoegh Osaka was “out of control” for a short time while teams battled to stabilise her.

He added: “We were worried that she would wander into the main shipping channels and would impede the shipping area.” The Hoegh Osaka was eventually towed to a holding area off Lee-on-the-Solent, where a 200-metre exclusion zone was set up around the vessel.

But the operation to re-right the ship was hampered by 80mph winds that caused one of the tugs holding her in place to collide with the transporter. No-one was hurt but the tug was damaged and had to be replaced.

The Hoegh Osaka could not return to Southampton until its list had been reduced sufficiently to allow the cargo doors to be opened once she was alongside.

Huge amounts of water were pumped out of the ship, cutting its list to to only five degrees and enabling it to head for the docks.

Making her way through the evening gloom the ship was clearly visible from the shore. Lights illuminated her bridge and she was surrounded by blue flashing lights on the tugs towing her back to the city.

Shortly after completing her journey her cargo of Jaguar, Land Rover and Mini cars were offloaded.

Miraculously, many of the of the vehicles were relatively undamaged and were simply driven off the vessel. They included a £260,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith that appeared to be in pristine condition as it emerged from the ship.

The Hoegh Osaka was sent for repairs to Falmouth Docks, in Cornwall, before returning to the oceans.

In April the vessel returned to Southampton for the first time since making headlines around the world.

A spokesman for Hough Autoliners, which owns the vessel, said he was unable to disclose the costs of the operation.

A spokeswoman for Gard, which is the protection and indemnity insurer for the ship, said they were also unable to comment on the case.

But maritime expert Captain John Noble said the costs of the rescue operation, covering the damage and the investigation are unknown but could rise to a figure close to £10 million – compared to £0.7bn estimated for the Costa Concordia.

He said: "“This was a big incident but more because it was so visible seeing the ship off the coast of Southampton.

"In terms of salvage it was quite straightforward.

"It was difficult but well within the capability of the salvors due to their technology and experience.”"

He said he was “disappointed” the report was not yet published but said it was important to be thorough to ensure it never happens again.

Allan Graveson, senior national secretary of Nautilus International Union, who previously called for more to be done to improve safety on car transporters, said: “"It is disappointing the report has not yet been published and– if lessons are to be learnt then reports into accidents like this must be timely.

"There is clearly a need for additional resources for a properly funded MAIB.”"

A spokesman for the Department of Transport, speaking on behalf of the MAIB, was also unable to disclose costs, and said: "“The MAIB investigation continues and a final report will be published in due course.”"

The Hoegh Osaka in numbers

• The Hoegh Osaka is 180 metres long and has 12 decks.
• She was carrying cargo worth more than £30 million when she left Southampton.
• It comprised 1,400 luxury cars and 105 pieces of heavy plant machinery.
• The vessel started listing at an angle of 52 degrees and taking on water.
• It was stranded for a total of 19 days.
• More than 2,000 tonnes of water had to be pumped out of the vessel.
• About 60 workers were involved in the operation to unload her cargo after she returned to Southampton.
• The Hoegh Osaka has a maximum speed of 19.2 knots.
• It has the capacity to carry 2,520 cars or 450 lorries.