The Cowes Harbor Commission in the UK reported that the cargo ship Shetland Trader experienced a blackout upon arriving at the port on November 4, colliding with private recreational boats before halting. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but several boats sustained damage. The vessel, which has a history of operational deficiencies, is now under investigation.
The Shetland Trader, a 2,386 dwt cargo ship registered in Liberia, was arriving from the Netherlands when it reported an engine failure while navigating the River Medina at 1900 hours. Measuring 75 meters (246 feet) in length, the ship prompted immediate emergency measures from the Cowes pilot, who ordered the anchor to be dropped to regain control. Despite these efforts, the vessel continued forward, crashing into the moored private boats.
During the incident, the Shetland Trader collided with a large yacht, damaging its moorings and causing entanglement. Local boat owners assisted in freeing the yacht and securing it to a pontoon. Additionally, the cargo ship struck a motorboat, though no one was on board either vessel during the accident.
Built in 1992 and managed by a UK company since 2024, the Shetland Trader has faced numerous deficiencies in port state inspections over the past decade. Its most recent inspection a year ago noted issues with its engines, compass, electrical systems, and structural integrity. The Cowes Harbor Commission confirmed that power was restored, allowing the ship to be escorted to the commercial pier, where a full investigation into the incident will take place.
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