On 16 May at about 1130 the car carrier Nordic Spirit broke her moorings on the Tyne in high winds while docked at Northumberland Quay in North Shields, and began to drift across the river towards South Shields. Gale-force winds caused the 53,578gt vessel’s ropes to snap and her stern came away from the quay.
Port of Tyne marine staff and four tugs brought the car transporter under control within 20 minutes. A Port of Tyne spokesman said: ‘In high winds the Nordic Spirit broke her moorings at Northumbrian Quay and the stern of the vessel came some distance off the quay.
‘A swift response from local tugs and Port of Tyne marine staff brought the vessel under control within 20 minutes, and the ship is now at anchorage awaiting berth availability.’ The 1987-built vessel, which measures 200m by 32.26m, is operated by Nissan Motor Car Carrier and can carry a maximum of 5,910 vehicles.
