JCB machines worth “millions” on stricken cargo ship

UK-based manufacturer JCB has confirmed there were 105 of its machines on board the stricken Hoegh Osaka cargo ship, which has been grounded in the Solent.

The Solent is a major shipping route that separates the Isle of Wight from mainland England, UK.

JCB said the machines, which included 50 tonne and 33 tonne tracked excavators, as well as backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers, wheeled loaders and Teletruk forklifts, were produced at its Staffordshire factories and had been destined for dealers in the Middle East.

The company said the machines were owned by its dealers in the Middle East, and their value ran into “millions of pounds”.

A JCB spokesman added, "We are awaiting further information from the shipping carrier about the current status of the machines and any plans they may have for retrieval."

An investigation has begun into the cause of the cargo ship’s difficulties – the vessel, transporting machinery and cars, is reported to have been deliberately run aground on the evening of 3 January after it began listing following its departure from Southampton.