Huge wave machine plunges into sea

www.eadt.co.uk
9/20/2009

A WAVE generator, weighing 80 tonnes, has capsized into the sea off the coast of Southwold today. Yarmouth Coastguard has warned vessels in the area that the machine, which is Trident Energy's experimental wave energy rig designed to produce energy from wave power, has been grounded three miles from the harbour entrance. The coastguard received a call from one of the two tugs carrying out the tow at about 12.35pm today. Yarmouth assessed the likely drift pattern the generator might take, and asked the tugs on scene to issue a broadcast warning and informing all vessels in the Southwold area.

Mario Siano, watch manager at Yarmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, said: "We are pleased to say there were no injuries sustained to any of the crew on board. The floating generator was later connected to a tug and grounded three miles south east of Southwold harbour entrance. There were no pollutants on board." "All appropriate authorities have been informed and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's counter pollution officer is aware and is monitoring the situation."