6 June 2024 (Lloyd's List) - EMERGENCY services in Charleston, South Carolina, rushed to close the Arthur Ravenel Jr bridge after a containership lost control with its engines at full ahead.

The bridge was not damaged and the vessel reached anchorage outside Charleston safely shortly afterwards.

Chief fire marshal Mike Julazadeh said two recreational boaters were taken to hospital “without life-threatening injuries” after they were pushed on to rocks by the ship’s wake.

Beneficially owned by Mediterranean Shipping Co, the Liberia-flagged, 2000-built, 6,420 teu MSC Michigan VII (IMO: 9196864) was en route to Savannah, Georgia, when it lost control of its propulsion.

Charleston Harbour pilots informed the US Coast Guard of the situation at 1217 hrs, after which coastguard response vessels were dispatched to clear traffic in the shipping channel at Charleston.

Local law enforcement closed the Arthur Ravenel Jr bridge as a precaution, which reopened after the vessel had passed safely underneath.

The vessel regained control and anchored eight miles off Charleston, before returning to the port in the early hours of June 6. Coastguard staff were due to inspect the vessel and an investigation into the incident has been opened.

“I would like to thank our South Carolina state and local Charleston partners for their prompt response and assistance in clearing vessel traffic in the ship channel and halting vehicle traffic on the Ravenel Bridge,” said Charleston Coast Guard deputy commander Randy Preston.

“I also want to recognise the Charleston harbour pilots for their exceptional coordination and the pilot’s efforts in recognising the adverse situation and steering the ship through the harbour to open water without major incident. This was truly a team effort.”

The incident comes just months after boxhsip Dali (IMO: 9697428) allided with the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore to disastrous effect. Full restoration of the federal channel at Baltimore is set to be completed between June 8-10.