Southhampton hit by more accidents

An investigation has been launched in the UK port of Southampton after two accidents took place within hours of each other in early March. An empty container handler toppled following an unexplained engine failure only hours after a 400-tonne capacity barge crane collapsed on itself.

Port owner Associated British Ports said the accidents were unrelated and played down any connection with previous ship-to-shore gantry crane collapses in 2008 and 2009.

Described by ABP as "relatively minor" the latest accidents, which caused no human injury, will be investigated by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.