A CONTAINER ship leaving Southampton docks was forced to turn back after developing engine trouble.

The nine-year-old MSC Adelaide was on its way down Southampton Water, bound for Rotterdam, when it ran into difficulties.

People on the shore said the 300m long ship appeared to have run around off Netley.

But an ABP spokesperson said: "A container ship lost power on departure from Southampton on Sunday evening and came to a rest outside of the main channel between Southampton and the Isle of Wight.

"The ship has returned to Southampton for inspection and repair prior to her departure."

Earlier this year more than 400 kilograms of cocaine with a street value of $34.3m were seized aboard MSC Adelaide in Genoa, Italy.

Reports say the narcotics were found in 14 suitcases in one of the containers.

The drugs shipment is thought to have been originated in Brazil, although the exact location of the factory was not revealed.

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