Jump to content

MV Cougar Ace: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
take out cat, meme is not mentioned in the article
 
(155 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Car-carrier ship that wrecked in 2006}}
[[Image:CougarAceListing24july2006.ogg|thumb|right|300px|Video]]
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2022}}
[[Image:CougarAceListing24july2006-2.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The ''Cougar Ace'' listing on July 24th, 2006]]
{{about|the ship|the bus|ACE Cougar}}


{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
The '''[[Cargo ship|M/V]] ''Cougar Ace''''' is a [[Singapore]]-flagged [[RORO|RO-RO]] (Roll On-Roll Off) car carrier vessel. The ''Cougar Ace'' was built by Kanasashi Co., of [[Toyohashi, Aichi|Toyohashi, Japan]] and launched in June of 1993. Specifications cite a length of 199m, draft of 9.72m, beam of 32.26m and a maximum speed of 18.6 knots. Her Gross Tonnage is 55,328. She is owned by [[Mitsui O.S.K. Lines]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.carcarrier.de/html/body_cougar_ace.html | title = Cougar Ace | accessdate = 2006-08-02 | language = German}}</ref>
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=Cougar Ace on side (starboard side).jpg
|Ship caption=''Cougar Ace'' listing to port, view towards bow end
}}
{{Infobox ship career
|Hide header=
|Ship name=''Cougar Ace''
|Ship owner=[[Mitsui O.S.K. Lines]]
|Ship operator=
|Ship registry={{flag|Singapore|civil}} Singapore
|Ship route=
|Ship ordered=
|Ship builder=[[Toyohashi Shipbuilding|K.K. Kanasashi]], [[Toyohashi, Aichi|Toyohashi, Japan]]
|Ship original cost= $100-million+
|Ship yard number=3305
|Ship way number=
|Ship laid down=
|Ship launched=30 June 1993
|Ship completed=October 1993
|Ship christened=
|Ship acquired=
|Ship maiden voyage=
|Ship in service=
|Ship out of service=May 2020
|Ship identification=*{{IMO Number|9051375}}
*Callsign 9VKE
|Ship fate=Scrapped 19 June 2020
|Ship notes=
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Header caption=
|Ship class=[[RORO|Roll On-Roll Off car carrier]]
|Ship tonnage=*{{GT|55,328}}
*{{DWT|18,922}}
|Ship displacement=
|Ship length= {{convert|199|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship beam={{convert|32.26|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship height=
|Ship draught={{convert|9.72|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship draft=
|Ship depth=
|Ship decks=
|Ship deck clearance=
|Ship ramps=
|Ship ice class=
|Ship power=
|Ship propulsion=Mitsubishi
|Ship speed={{convert|18.6|kn}}
|Ship capacity=5,542 automobiles
|Ship crew=
|Ship notes=
}}
|}


The '''[[Motor ship|MV]] ''Cougar Ace''''' was a [[Singapore]]-flagged [[roll-on/roll-off]] car carrier vessel. The ''Cougar Ace'' was built by Kanasashi Co., of [[Toyohashi, Aichi|Toyohashi, Japan]] and launched in June 1993. Specifications cite a length of 199m, draft of 9.72m, beam of 32.26m and a maximum speed of {{convert|18.6|kn}}. Her Gross Tonnage is 55,328. She is owned by [[Mitsui O.S.K. Lines]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.carcarrier.de/doku.php/schiffe:carcarrier:9051375 | title = Cougar Ace | accessdate = 2 August 2006 | language = German}}</ref>
On May 4, 2005, ''Cougar Ace'' delivered 5,214 automobiles at the [[Fraser River]] wharves in [[Richmond, British Columbia]]. This set a [[Canadian]] record for the most vehicles offloaded from a single ship.<ref>{{cite web

| url = http://www.mol.co.jp/opensea/05_e0507ado.html
On 4 May 2005, ''Cougar Ace'' delivered 5,214 automobiles at the [[Fraser River]] wharves in [[Richmond, British Columbia]]. This set a [[Canada|Canadian]] record for the most vehicles offloaded from a single ship.<ref>{{cite web
| title = Fraser Wharves Sets New Auto Delivery Record
|url = http://www.mol.co.jp/opensea/05_e0507ado.html
| accessdate = 2006-08-01
|title = Fraser Wharves Sets New Auto Delivery Record
| date = [[2005]]-[[05-04]]
|accessdate = 1 August 2006
| format = html
|date = 4 May 2005
| work = Open Sea
|work = Open Sea
| publisher = Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
|publisher = Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
|url-status = dead
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070926223607/http://www.mol.co.jp/opensea/05_e0507ado.html
|archivedate = 26 September 2007
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


==Loss of stability incident==
On [[July 23]], [[2006]], she was en route from [[Japan]] to [[Vancouver, British Columbia]], [[Tacoma, Washington]], and [[Port Hueneme, California]], with a cargo of 4,812 vehicles. During a transfer of [[Sailing ballast|ballast water]], she lost [[Metacentric height|stability]] and developed an 80-degree list to [[Port (nautical)|port]]. There were reports of a large wave striking the vessel during the ballast transfer, but it is unknown what effect this had on her loss of stability.<ref>{{cite web
On 23 July 2006, she was en route from [[Japan]] to [[Vancouver, British Columbia]]; [[Tacoma, Washington]]; and [[Port Hueneme, California]], with a cargo of 4,812 vehicles. During an exchange of [[Sailing ballast|ballast water]] south of the [[Aleutian Islands]], she lost [[Metacentric height|stability]] and developed a 60° list to [[Port (nautical)|port]]. There were reports of a large wave striking the vessel during the ballast transfer, but it is unknown what effect this had on her loss of stability.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/278870_ship26.html
| url = http://www.seattlepi.com/local/278870_ship26.html
| title = Rescued crew of listing ship happy to be alive
| title = Rescued crew of listing ship happy to be alive
| accessdate = 2006-11-11
| accessdate = 11 November 2006
| author = Rachel D'Oro
| last = D'Oro
| last = D'Oro
| first = Rachel
| first = Rachel
| date = [[2006]]-[[07-26]]
| date = 26 July 2006
| format = html
| publisher = [[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]
| publisher = [[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
On [[July 24]], the [[United States Coast Guard]] successfully rescued the 23 crew members. <ref>{{cite web
On 24 July, the [[United States Coast Guard]] and the [[176th Wing]] of the [[Alaska Air National Guard]] successfully rescued the 23 crew members.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/278726_ship25.html
| url = http://www.seattlepi.com/local/278726_ship25.html
| title = 23 are rescued as cargo ship takes water
| title = 23 are rescued as cargo ship takes water
| accessdate = 2006-08-01
| accessdate = 1 August 2006
| date = [[2006]]-[[07-25]]
| date = 25 July 2006
| format = html
| publisher = [[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]
| publisher = [[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


4,703 (97.7%) of the vehicles on board were from [[Mazda]]; 60% were 2007 [[Mazda3]]<nowiki>s</nowiki> and 30% were [[Mazda CX-7]]<nowiki>s</nowiki>.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2006/200607/060727a.html| title = Mazda Vehicles Aboard Stricken Car-Carrying Vessel, Cougar Ace| accessdate = 1 August 2006| date = 27 June 2006| publisher = [[Mazda Motor Corporation]]}}</ref> The remaining Mazdas were mainly [[Mazda RX-8|RX-8]] and [[Mazda MX-5|MX-5]] models. According to ''[[Car and Driver]]'' magazine, the exact contents of Mazda's shipment were 2,804 Mazda3, 1,329 CX-7, 295 MX-5, 214 RX-8, 56 [[Mazda5]], and 5 [[Mazdaspeed6]] models. The remaining 2.3% of the vehicles on board (approximately 110 vehicles) were from [[Isuzu]], mostly [[Isuzu Elf]] trucks. In total, the cargo had an estimated value of US$117 million.<ref name=CandD>{{cite web |url = http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/features_classic_cars/cougar_ace_the_great_103_million_snafu_at_sea_feature |title = Cougar Ace: The Great $103 Million Snafu at Sea |publisher = [[Car and Driver]] |date = 1 October 2008 |accessdate = 22 April 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090509005831/http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/features_classic_cars/cougar_ace_the_great_103_million_snafu_at_sea_feature |archive-date = 9 May 2009 |url-status = dead }}</ref>
Approximately 4,700 of the vehicles were [[Mazda]]s, with about 60% of these being the 2007 [[Mazda Mazda3|Mazda3s]] and 30% being [[Mazda CX-7]] [[crossover SUV]]s. The remaining Mazdas are [[Mazda RX-8|RX-8s]] and [[Mazda MX-5|MX-5s]]. About 100 of the vehicles were not Mazdas, but the exact make of those has not been disclosed.
<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/8188973p-8082480c.html
| title = Cars' values sink after vessel tilts
| accessdate = 2006-09-17
| date = [[2006]]-[[09-13]]
| format = html
| publisher = [[Anchorage Daily News]]
}}</ref> They are said to be valued at US$117 million. Mitsui OSK had destroyed every vehicle that was onboard the vessel during the incident. <ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/200607/0727a.html
| title = Mazda Vehicles Aboard Stricken Car-Carrying Vessel, Cougar Ace
| accessdate = 2006-08-01
| date = [[2006]]-[[06-27]]
| format = html
| publisher = [[Mazda Motor Corporation]]
}}</ref>


===Salvage effort===
On [[July 31]], 2006, Marty Johnson slipped and fell to his death as the salvage team was preparing to return from the ''Cougar Ace'' to the tug ''Sea Victory''<ref>{{cite web|url = http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/279563_listingship01.html
A [[marine salvage]] team from [[Titan Salvage]] arrived on site on 30 July 2006. Led by [[Salvage Master]] Captain Rich Habib, the team was able to get aboard the vessel via a [[U.S. Coast Guard]] [[helicopter]] from the cutter {{USCGC|Morgenthau|WHEC-722|2}}.<ref name=Autoblog/> Later that day [[naval architect]] Marty Johnson slipped and fell to his death as the salvage team was preparing to leave the ''Cougar Ace'' and board the [[tugboat]] ''Emma Foss''.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.seattlepi.com/local/279563_listingship01.html.
| title = Member of salvage team is killed in fall aboard listing ship
| title = Member of salvage team is killed in fall aboard listing ship
| accessdate = 2006-08-01
| accessdate = 1 August 2006
| author = Mary Pemberton
| last = Pemberton
| last = Pemberton
| first = Mary
| first = Mary
| date = [[2006]]-[[08-01]]
| date = 1 August 2006
| format = html
| publisher = Seattle Post-Intelligencer
| publisher = Seattle Post-Intelligencer
}}</ref>. Johnson was a forty-year old resident of [[Seattle, Washington]] and employee of the [[Titan Salvage]] salvage team from [[Seattle, Washington]]<ref>[http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/03/cougar-ace-salvage-operation-turns-deadly/ Cougar Ace salvage operation turns deadly] at autoblog.com</ref>.
}}</ref> Johnson was a 40-year-old resident of [[Issaquah, Washington]] and employee of [[Crowley Maritime Corporation|Crowley]], the parent company of Titan Salvage.<ref name=Autoblog>{{cite web|url=http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/03/cougar-ace-salvage-operation-turns-deadly/|title=Cougar Ace salvage operation turns deadly|work=autoblog.com}}</ref>


While initially adrift, the ship was later towed by [[tugboat]]s to [[Unalaska Island]], where it was moored next to Icicle Seafoods [[buoy]]s as it was righted. On [[August 25]], 2006 the newly upright vessel was put under tow to [[Portland, Oregon]] for inspection and repair.
Titan Salvage subsequently towed the vessel through [[Samalga Pass]] to the north side of the [[Aleutian Islands]] for protection from the weather using the [[tugboat]]s ''[[Sea Victory]]'', ''Gladiator'' and ''Emma Foss''. It was then taken to [[Unalaska Island]], where it was moored to Icicle Seafoods' [[Buoy#Types|mooring buoy]]. ''Cougar Ace'' was righted and redelivered to [[Mitsui Group]] on 16 August 2006, and on 25 August put under tow to [[Portland, Oregon]] for inspection and repair.


===Disposition of cargo===
Mazda officials reported little to no damage to the vehicles onboard despite the ship listing nearly 90 degrees for over a month. <ref>[http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/8123260p-8015575c.html Anchorage Daily News - Finally Upright, Cougar Ace will be Portland Bound]</ref> However, according to the US Coast Guard, 41 vehicles broke loose and shifted, and the few public pictures from inside the ship do show severe damage to at least some cars. <ref>[http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123641617&page=8 Canada may lose 4,813 Vehicles - Page 8 - Mazda Forums<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> <ref>[http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/off-topic-discussion/9778-remember-ship-its-side.html Remember the ship that was on it's side? - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Mazda officials reported minimal damage to the vehicles on board despite the ship listing for over a month.<ref>{{cite news |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071011104914/http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/8123260p-8015575c.html |url= http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/8123260p-8015575c.html |newspaper= Anchorage Daily News |title= Finally Upright, Cougar Ace will be Portland Bound |first= Lisa |last= Demer |date= 27 August 2006 |archivedate= 11 October 2007 }}</ref> However, according to the US Coast Guard, 41 vehicles broke loose and shifted.


On [[September 11]], 2006, one day before the Cougar Ace arrived in Portland to begin unloading, Mazda USA announced that none of the Mazda cars aboard will be sold as new vehicles. <ref>[http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_display.cfm?article_id=24253&make_id=227 NO MAZDA VEHICLES ON CAR-CARRYING VESSEL COUGAR ACE WILL BE SOLD AS NEW]</ref> Mazda USA published a list of VINs for the affected Mazda vehicles on the www.MazdaUSA.com website.
On 11 September 2006, one day before the ''Cougar Ace'' arrived in Portland to begin unloading, Mazda USA announced that none of the Mazdas aboard would be sold as new vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_display.cfm?article_id=24253&make_id=227|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505095213/http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_display.cfm?article_id=24253&make_id=227|url-status=dead|title=NO MAZDA VEHICLES ON CAR-CARRYING VESSEL COUGAR ACE WILL BE SOLD AS NEW|archivedate=5 May 2008}}</ref> Mazda USA published a list of
[[Vehicle Identification Number|VINs]] for the affected Mazda vehicles on their website.{{Citation needed|date=April 2018}}


On [[December 15]], 2006, Mazda announced that all vehicles on the Cougar Ace will be scrapped. <ref>[http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_display.cfm?article_id=25049&make_id=227 ALL MAZDA VEHICLES FROM CAR-CARRYING VESSEL COUGAR ACE TO BE SCRAPPED]</ref>
On 15 December 2006, Mazda announced that all vehicles on the ''Cougar Ace'' would be scrapped.<ref name="Mazda scrapped">{{Cite web|url=http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_display.cfm?article_id=25049&make_id=227|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011194446/http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_display.cfm?article_id=25049&make_id=227|url-status=dead|title=ALL MAZDA VEHICLES FROM CAR-CARRYING VESSEL COUGAR ACE TO BE SCRAPPED|archivedate=11 October 2007}}</ref> After an extensive process to deploy all the [[airbag]]s in each vehicle, all of the Mazda cars were [[car crusher|crushed]] onsite at the [[Port of Portland (Oregon)|Port of Portland]] by Pacific Car Crushing. The last Mazda car from the shipment was crushed on 6 May 2008.<ref name=CandD/>


==Appearances in media==
Full story of Cougar Ace & her Mazdas in the <ref> [http://www.bymnews.com/magazine/January2006.pdf BYM magazine Jan 2007]</ref> BYM magazine Jan 2007
The ''Cougar Ace'' was covered extensively by the automotive press because of the sheer number of new cars that Mazda scrapped after the incident. She has a cameo of sorts in episode one, season three, of the television series ''[[Deadliest Catch]]''. She is shown, temporarily anchored in Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian islands, awaiting further recovery.


== Scrapping ==
In June 2020 MV ''Cougar Ace'' was sold for scrap. She was beached at Alang, India on 23 June 2020 and cut up thereafter. <ref>{{Cite web|title=scheepvaartwest - Cougar Ace - IMO 9051376|url=https://www.scheepvaartwest.be/CMS/index.php/car-carriers-ro-ro/132-cougar-ace-imo-9051376|access-date=18 December 2021|website=www.scheepvaartwest.be}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Des Bois|first=Robin|date=30 June 2020|title=Cougar Ace. IMO 9051375.|url=https://robindesbois.org/wp-content/uploads/shipbreaking60.pdf|journal=Shipbreaking: Bulletin of Information and Analysis|volume=60|pages=36–37}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:CougarAceListing24july2006.ogg|Video
File:Cougar Ace from bow.jpg|The ''Cougar Ace'' listing on 14 August 2006 (over three weeks after the incident), view from the bow
File:CougarAceListing24july2006-1.jpg|View from above
File:Cougar Ace Listing Aft view and screw.jpg|The rudder and the propeller of MV ''Cougar Ace'' are lifted after her 60° list to her portside.
</gallery>

==See also==
*[[List of roll-on/roll-off vessel accidents]]
*{{MV|Golden Ray}}, a car carrier which capsized off Brunswick, Georgia in 2019.
*{{MV|Höegh Osaka}}, a car carrier which had a major list incident in 2015.
*{{MV|Reijin}}, a car carrier which capsized off Oporto in 1988.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
<references/>


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons|Cougar Ace}}
{{Commons and category|Cougar Ace|Cougar Ace}}
*[http://www.bymnews.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=110 BYM News Photo Gallery] Album of pictures of Cougar Ace incident
*[http://www.bymnews.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=110 BYM News Photo Gallery] Album of pictures of Cougar Ace incident
*[http://www.ibiblio.org/maritime/photolibrary/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=293&pos=4 MaritimeDigital Archive Media Library page] on Cougar Ace
*[http://www.ibiblio.org/maritime/photolibrary/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=293&pos=4 MaritimeDigital Archive Media Library page] on Cougar Ace
Line 83: Line 143:
*[http://cargolaw.com/2006nightmare_cougar-ace.html Cargo Law updates on the Cougar Ace]
*[http://cargolaw.com/2006nightmare_cougar-ace.html Cargo Law updates on the Cougar Ace]
*[http://www.dec.state.ak.us/spar/perp/response/sum_fy07/060728201/060728201_index.htm US Coast Guard Unified Command]
*[http://www.dec.state.ak.us/spar/perp/response/sum_fy07/060728201/060728201_index.htm US Coast Guard Unified Command]
*[http://www.bymnews.com/magazine/January2006.pdf BYM magazine Jan 2007]

*[https://www.wired.com/print/science/discoveries/magazine/16-03/ff_seacowboys High Tech Cowboys of the Deep Seas: The Race to Save the Cougar Ace -- Wired magazine Vol 16, issue 03, March 2008]
[[Category:Shipwrecks in the Pacific Ocean|Cougar Ace]]
*[http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/features_classic_cars/cougar_ace_the_great_103_million_snafu_at_sea_feature+view-photos.html Car and Driver gallery]
{{Mitsui O.S.K. Lines|state=autocollapse}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cougar Ace}}
[[Category:Maritime incidents in 2006]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in 2006]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:1993 ships]]
[[Category:Ro-ro ships]]
[[Category:Ships built in Japan]]

Latest revision as of 17:25, 10 November 2024

This article is about the ship. For the bus, see ACE Cougar.
Cougar Ace listing to port, view towards bow end
History
NameCougar Ace
OwnerMitsui O.S.K. Lines
Port of registry Singapore Singapore
BuilderK.K. Kanasashi, Toyohashi, Japan
Cost$100-million+
Yard number3305
Launched30 June 1993
CompletedOctober 1993
Out of serviceMay 2020
Identification
FateScrapped 19 June 2020
General characteristics
Class and typeRoll On-Roll Off car carrier
Tonnage
Length199 m (652 ft 11 in)
Beam32.26 m (105 ft 10 in)
Draught9.72 m (31 ft 11 in)
PropulsionMitsubishi
Speed18.6 knots (34.4 km/h; 21.4 mph)
Capacity5,542 automobiles

The MV Cougar Ace was a Singapore-flagged roll-on/roll-off car carrier vessel. The Cougar Ace was built by Kanasashi Co., of Toyohashi, Japan and launched in June 1993. Specifications cite a length of 199m, draft of 9.72m, beam of 32.26m and a maximum speed of 18.6 knots (34.4 km/h; 21.4 mph). Her Gross Tonnage is 55,328. She is owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines.[1]

On 4 May 2005, Cougar Ace delivered 5,214 automobiles at the Fraser River wharves in Richmond, British Columbia. This set a Canadian record for the most vehicles offloaded from a single ship.[2]

Loss of stability incident

[edit]

On 23 July 2006, she was en route from Japan to Vancouver, British Columbia; Tacoma, Washington; and Port Hueneme, California, with a cargo of 4,812 vehicles. During an exchange of ballast water south of the Aleutian Islands, she lost stability and developed a 60° list to port. There were reports of a large wave striking the vessel during the ballast transfer, but it is unknown what effect this had on her loss of stability.[3] On 24 July, the United States Coast Guard and the 176th Wing of the Alaska Air National Guard successfully rescued the 23 crew members.[4]

4,703 (97.7%) of the vehicles on board were from Mazda; 60% were 2007 Mazda3s and 30% were Mazda CX-7s.[5] The remaining Mazdas were mainly RX-8 and MX-5 models. According to Car and Driver magazine, the exact contents of Mazda's shipment were 2,804 Mazda3, 1,329 CX-7, 295 MX-5, 214 RX-8, 56 Mazda5, and 5 Mazdaspeed6 models. The remaining 2.3% of the vehicles on board (approximately 110 vehicles) were from Isuzu, mostly Isuzu Elf trucks. In total, the cargo had an estimated value of US$117 million.[6]

Salvage effort

[edit]

A marine salvage team from Titan Salvage arrived on site on 30 July 2006. Led by Salvage Master Captain Rich Habib, the team was able to get aboard the vessel via a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter from the cutter Morgenthau.[7] Later that day naval architect Marty Johnson slipped and fell to his death as the salvage team was preparing to leave the Cougar Ace and board the tugboat Emma Foss.[8] Johnson was a 40-year-old resident of Issaquah, Washington and employee of Crowley, the parent company of Titan Salvage.[7]

Titan Salvage subsequently towed the vessel through Samalga Pass to the north side of the Aleutian Islands for protection from the weather using the tugboats Sea Victory, Gladiator and Emma Foss. It was then taken to Unalaska Island, where it was moored to Icicle Seafoods' mooring buoy. Cougar Ace was righted and redelivered to Mitsui Group on 16 August 2006, and on 25 August put under tow to Portland, Oregon for inspection and repair.

Disposition of cargo

[edit]

Mazda officials reported minimal damage to the vehicles on board despite the ship listing for over a month.[9] However, according to the US Coast Guard, 41 vehicles broke loose and shifted.

On 11 September 2006, one day before the Cougar Ace arrived in Portland to begin unloading, Mazda USA announced that none of the Mazdas aboard would be sold as new vehicles.[10] Mazda USA published a list of VINs for the affected Mazda vehicles on their website.[citation needed]

On 15 December 2006, Mazda announced that all vehicles on the Cougar Ace would be scrapped.[11] After an extensive process to deploy all the airbags in each vehicle, all of the Mazda cars were crushed onsite at the Port of Portland by Pacific Car Crushing. The last Mazda car from the shipment was crushed on 6 May 2008.[6]

Appearances in media

[edit]

The Cougar Ace was covered extensively by the automotive press because of the sheer number of new cars that Mazda scrapped after the incident. She has a cameo of sorts in episode one, season three, of the television series Deadliest Catch. She is shown, temporarily anchored in Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian islands, awaiting further recovery.

Scrapping

[edit]

In June 2020 MV Cougar Ace was sold for scrap. She was beached at Alang, India on 23 June 2020 and cut up thereafter. [12][13]

[edit]
  • Video
  • The Cougar Ace listing on 14 August 2006 (over three weeks after the incident), view from the bow
    The Cougar Ace listing on 14 August 2006 (over three weeks after the incident), view from the bow
  • View from above
    View from above
  • The rudder and the propeller of MV Cougar Ace are lifted after her 60° list to her portside.
    The rudder and the propeller of MV Cougar Ace are lifted after her 60° list to her portside.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Cougar Ace" (in German). Retrieved 2 August 2006.
  2. ^ "Fraser Wharves Sets New Auto Delivery Record". Open Sea. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. 4 May 2005. Archived from the original on 26 September 2007. Retrieved 1 August 2006.
  3. ^ D'Oro, Rachel (26 July 2006). "Rescued crew of listing ship happy to be alive". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved 11 November 2006.
  4. ^ "23 are rescued as cargo ship takes water". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. 25 July 2006. Retrieved 1 August 2006.
  5. ^ "Mazda Vehicles Aboard Stricken Car-Carrying Vessel, Cougar Ace". Mazda Motor Corporation. 27 June 2006. Retrieved 1 August 2006.
  6. ^ a b "Cougar Ace: The Great $103 Million Snafu at Sea". Car and Driver. 1 October 2008. Archived from the original on 9 May 2009. Retrieved 22 April 2009.
  7. ^ a b "Cougar Ace salvage operation turns deadly". autoblog.com.
  8. ^ Pemberton, Mary (1 August 2006). "Member of salvage team is killed in fall aboard listing ship". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved 1 August 2006.
  9. ^ Demer, Lisa (27 August 2006). "Finally Upright, Cougar Ace will be Portland Bound". Anchorage Daily News. Archived from the original on 11 October 2007.
  10. ^ "NO MAZDA VEHICLES ON CAR-CARRYING VESSEL COUGAR ACE WILL BE SOLD AS NEW". Archived from the original on 5 May 2008.
  11. ^ "ALL MAZDA VEHICLES FROM CAR-CARRYING VESSEL COUGAR ACE TO BE SCRAPPED". Archived from the original on 11 October 2007.
  12. ^ "scheepvaartwest - Cougar Ace - IMO 9051376". www.scheepvaartwest.be. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
  13. ^ Des Bois, Robin (30 June 2020). "Cougar Ace. IMO 9051375" (PDF). Shipbreaking: Bulletin of Information and Analysis. 60: 36–37.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
Cougar Ace (category)
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=MV_Cougar_Ace&oldid=1256585689"