0:00:02 > 0:00:05Stretching from Land's End to Dover,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08this is the busiest seaway in the world.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14And come hell or high water...
0:00:14 > 0:00:17Three, two, one. Firing!
0:00:18 > 0:00:21No amount of training can prepare you for what we faced that night.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24..it's open for business 365 days a year.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27Over 90% of the world's trade travels by sea.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31It's just not TV's and refrigerators, it's everything around us.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33Teeming with every type of vessel...
0:00:33 > 0:00:36Everyone on board reckons their job is the hardest.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38..and a rich diversity of wildlife.
0:00:43 > 0:00:48It's kept safe by those who patrol its seaways.
0:00:48 > 0:00:49Throw your arm to the boat.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52Their actions standing between triumph...
0:00:52 > 0:00:54..and disaster...
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Ease off, ease off.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00..on the unpredictable waters of the English Channel.
0:01:04 > 0:01:09Today, a ship full of luxury cars is in dire straits.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12The tide was ripping around the front
0:01:12 > 0:01:14and was sucking everything in towards it.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17- Stay where you are!- Going in. - He's in.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20It wasn't nice because you could see the fear in his face.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23A novice tries to keep his nerve in a test for one of the most
0:01:23 > 0:01:26dangerous jobs in the docks.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29I can honestly say to you that drivers have died and the drivers
0:01:29 > 0:01:33that have lived and gone over have not come out of it very well.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38And a rescued seal struggles to return to the English Channel.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43If he would only go through the waves, it's calm out there.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Throughout history, the oceans have served
0:01:52 > 0:01:54as a means of transporting goods.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57And as trade has become increasingly globalised,
0:01:57 > 0:01:59shipping volumes have soared.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04The English Channel alone sees 40,000 tankers,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07container ships and bulk carriers cram its waters every year.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15It's the main conduit for goods entering and leaving the UK.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18Our industry and economy depend upon it.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28Of all the ports on the Channel, Southampton is the busiest
0:02:28 > 0:02:30and most successful.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33The interesting thing about the port of Southampton is this,
0:02:33 > 0:02:35it's got two tides.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40That means to say, we can get ships in and out almost any time
0:02:40 > 0:02:42of the day or night.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45Believe me, it's a real big geographical advantage.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50It's very well policed by the Coastguard,
0:02:50 > 0:02:52they organise it extremely well.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Arcadia VTS five, cable.
0:02:55 > 0:02:56Incidents are rare
0:02:56 > 0:02:59despite its narrow and tricky to navigate shipping lanes.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02But sometimes disasters do happen.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09In January 2015, this 51,000 tonne car carrier,
0:03:09 > 0:03:11laden with 1,400 vehicles,
0:03:11 > 0:03:14had barely left port before it ran into trouble.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19TV REPORTER: 'She should have been well on her way to Bremerhaven
0:03:19 > 0:03:23'but this evening, the Hoegh Osaka lies beached
0:03:23 > 0:03:27'and immovable alongside one of the UK's busiest shipping channels.'
0:03:27 > 0:03:32'The vessel did develop a severe list shortly after she left port.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34'The pilot and the master made a decision'
0:03:34 > 0:03:38to save the vessel and the crew by grounding her on the bank.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41'It's currently too dangerous to board the ship.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44'Within its giant hull are over a thousand cars
0:03:44 > 0:03:48'and construction machines, and 500 tonnes of fuel oil.'
0:03:51 > 0:03:53The ship ran aground at night
0:03:53 > 0:03:56making the rescue of the 25 crew on board all the more challenging.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01The RNLI volunteers from nearby Calshot were one of the first
0:04:01 > 0:04:03agencies on the scene.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05If there's casualties on board,
0:04:05 > 0:04:08are we going to need to be giving them any assistance?
0:04:08 > 0:04:11We're thinking, "Do we need to get our first aid kit ready?"
0:04:11 > 0:04:14Lighting is also useful, so straightaway we've got
0:04:14 > 0:04:17our search lights out ready so we can start searching the area.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Once we got there, we didn't know if it was going to move any further.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25We just knew we had 25 souls on board.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29RADIO: 'Air rescue, this is Solant Coastguard.
0:04:29 > 0:04:35'If it is safe to do so, commence removing crew from the vessel.'
0:04:35 > 0:04:37Quite an adrenaline rush
0:04:37 > 0:04:38for us going out there
0:04:38 > 0:04:40and seeing everything in action.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45A lot of lifeboatS and a helicopter all in one place on the same rescue.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48You never expect to see something of that scale.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50No amount of training can ever prepare you
0:04:50 > 0:04:53for what we faced that night.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55It was surreal, it was odd.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01We heard people shouting for help and saw someone shining a torch.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06We managed to see his orange jacket through one of the windows on the lower side.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10We managed to shout at him and get his attention,
0:05:10 > 0:05:11and he managed to kick open a ladder
0:05:11 > 0:05:13and climbed down safely into the boat.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21The Coastguard's helicopter airlifts the majority of the crew
0:05:21 > 0:05:24from the top deck but not everyone can make it.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28We found another chap and because of the angle of the deck,
0:05:28 > 0:05:30wasn't able to get towards the top.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Stay where you are!
0:05:35 > 0:05:37We did try to get him to wait
0:05:37 > 0:05:40and to call the helicopter across to fetch him from where he was,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43but either through panic or he didn't hear us,
0:05:43 > 0:05:47or through the language barrier he decided he was going to jump in.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- There he goes.- He's going in. - He is in!
0:05:54 > 0:05:56'He was in a state of panic.'
0:05:57 > 0:06:00The tide was ripping around the front of the vessel
0:06:00 > 0:06:02and was sucking everything in towards it.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07It wasn't nice because you could see the fear in his face and after
0:06:07 > 0:06:12I grabbed him, it was nice to know that he felt relief and he was OK.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17All in all, we were out there for around three hours
0:06:17 > 0:06:21until the last people that needed to come off, came off
0:06:21 > 0:06:24and all persons had been accounted for.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28Loss of life has been averted but the Osaka,
0:06:28 > 0:06:30at a perilous angle of 52 degrees,
0:06:30 > 0:06:32in the middle of a strong tidal system,
0:06:32 > 0:06:35also presents a danger to other vessels.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45It's now up to agencies like Southampton Harbour Patrol
0:06:45 > 0:06:47to work out how to keep the Solent safe
0:06:47 > 0:06:50and, ultimately, to get the Osaka back to port.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57The consequences of this ship going walkabout in one of the busiest
0:06:57 > 0:07:01shipping lanes in Europe, just doesn't bear thinking about.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04It's a costly operation but if you think safety is expensive,
0:07:04 > 0:07:06try having an accident.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17Meanwhile, the port of Southampton must remain open for business.
0:07:17 > 0:07:2238 million tonnes of cargo - everything from mobile phones
0:07:22 > 0:07:25to fruit and veg, pass through here every year
0:07:25 > 0:07:28making it the most productive port in Europe.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32The crew here is the height of efficiency,
0:07:32 > 0:07:36shuttling containers to and from vessels faster than anywhere else in the UK.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42I can tell you that this port,
0:07:42 > 0:07:44in all the years of being here,
0:07:44 > 0:07:49I have never seen it run as efficiently as it does today.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52It is quite remarkable what they do here
0:07:52 > 0:07:57and the systems they employ here, to get these rather large vessels
0:07:57 > 0:08:01discharged and loaded, and away off the quay wall.
0:08:01 > 0:08:02It is amazing.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Alongside forklifts and articulated lorries
0:08:08 > 0:08:11is a fleet of 90 straddle carriers.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14These 40 foot machines are in continual operation
0:08:14 > 0:08:17and driving them is a highly skilled job,
0:08:17 > 0:08:20especially in amongst the busy port traffic.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26John White is one of Southampton port's training coordinators
0:08:26 > 0:08:30and responsible for keeping the docks accident free.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35It's up to him who passes and who fails the straddle carrier driving test,
0:08:35 > 0:08:38and who gets to keep their licence after regular reviews
0:08:38 > 0:08:40in their first year.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45Safety in the docks is paramount.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48Having clocked up almost 40 years working on the docks,
0:08:48 > 0:08:52John knows only too well the hazards of this particular job.
0:08:53 > 0:08:58This is probably one of the most unstable vehicles you can drive.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01All the weight on this vehicle is up the top.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07You can imagine, can't you, if you've got a 63, 65 tonne machine,
0:09:07 > 0:09:12you start travelling around the terminal with a 40 tonne box
0:09:12 > 0:09:16high in the air, the centre of gravity has shifted
0:09:16 > 0:09:20and that means, when you turn a corner, you could go over.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Believe me, that happens in a split second.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Serious accidents are rare but can happen.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31I can honestly say to you that drivers have died.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33And the drivers that have lived and gone over
0:09:33 > 0:09:36have not come out of it very well.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41We need drivers out there that understand
0:09:41 > 0:09:44the necessity to be careful.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49Tomorrow, John will be examining Herve Garrod, who has been
0:09:49 > 0:09:53training as a straddle carrier driver for the last three weeks.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57Right now, Herve is having his crucial final lesson
0:09:57 > 0:10:00with instructor, Richard Bailey, ahead of his big test.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04Yeah, before you lift up, make sure you're out of gear -
0:10:04 > 0:10:07you don't want to start jolting backwards and forwards.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09And then off we go.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14Keep an eye on what's going on around.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18It's not bad, pretty clear at the moment.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22Passing this test is all-important, as in, like for,
0:10:22 > 0:10:26being able to work as a straddle driver.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29You know, hopefully if I pass it, it will be
0:10:29 > 0:10:32the first step to the rest of my career working down the docks now.
0:10:32 > 0:10:37So, I'll get a good 25 years working down here.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40You know, it will give me much more options, as in, like,
0:10:40 > 0:10:44there's other jobs that I can apply for and ultimately,
0:10:44 > 0:10:48maybe in a few years' time, I'll be able to become a crane driver.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52Herve started work at the port in 2007 and within 12 months
0:10:52 > 0:10:55had qualified as a straddle driver.
0:10:55 > 0:11:00But a year later, the recession hit and Herve was made redundant.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03I thought that was the end of my working life down here.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05But then I was out for a year
0:11:05 > 0:11:08and then a year later I got offered a position in the warehouse.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12So, I've been working over there for the last 4 1/2 years.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14Getting back into the straddle is Herve's big chance
0:11:14 > 0:11:17to secure his future at the port.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Although he's done this job before, changing technology
0:11:20 > 0:11:25and newer vehicles has meant relearning the skills all over again.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27You could have looked to see what position it was and gone
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- to the other end of the row.- I did think that, but then maybe...
0:11:30 > 0:11:33Yeah, like I say, it's something that you've got to think about.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36It's always... Plan your route, make sure that you're making it
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- nice and easy for yourself.- Yeah.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- The last thing you want to do is make it hard work.- No.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45I'm happy with Herve.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48I'm just pointing out a few little things for him to help him.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50He's a good driver.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52He just needs to keep getting in good habits
0:11:52 > 0:11:56cos he's got a few little bad habits, which we've got to knock out of him
0:11:56 > 0:11:58before the test tomorrow.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02At this busy terminal, safety is the number one priority.
0:12:02 > 0:12:07And just like the Highway Code, there's a set of rules to stick to.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09Well, you can't come out of a row legs-first,
0:12:09 > 0:12:11because you've got no visibility and it's dangerous
0:12:11 > 0:12:14and you can run straight into another straddle carrier.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17So, you always come out of a row cab-first.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21It's a very dangerous environment.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23You can't afford to switch off at all.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27You've got to keep focused, otherwise that's when accidents happen.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31A couple of straddles collided once, yeah.
0:12:31 > 0:12:36Just collided with each other and all the glass went in the cab and that.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38I don't think anyone was seriously injured but, you know,
0:12:38 > 0:12:41it's still not a nice thing to see because you don't know
0:12:41 > 0:12:43if anyone's seriously hurt or not.
0:12:45 > 0:12:50The cab of a straddle carrier is 40 foot off the ground.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53As well as needing a head for heights, operators also need to
0:12:53 > 0:12:58master the steering and knowing how to drive a car is no help at all.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02If you can imagine yourself in a car,
0:13:02 > 0:13:05when you turn left, you go left.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09But in these machines, if you turn LEFT, you're going to go RIGHT.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13So, really, it's completely alien to the way we drive, actually.
0:13:13 > 0:13:18So, really, the drivers themselves need to pick this up
0:13:18 > 0:13:21and initially, when they start training themselves,
0:13:21 > 0:13:24this is one of the big issues with drivers.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26They've got to try and get the steering right.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34When you're doing your test, you've got to drive the correct way.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38So, I just need to keep that in mind and not try and keep up with everybody else.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41But you do feel a little bit of pressure because, you know,
0:13:41 > 0:13:44you don't want to get in people's way and that sort of stuff.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47But, you know, hopefully, I'm only going to do the test once.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50So, I'll pass this test and then that'll be it.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56If he makes a silly mistake, like travels with the box too high,
0:13:56 > 0:14:00turns too fast, drives erratically,
0:14:00 > 0:14:02hits a box in the stack,
0:14:02 > 0:14:05hits a lorry up in the parking-up area,
0:14:05 > 0:14:08any erratic sort of driving - then he'll fail.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- But I've got my faith in you, Herv! - Thanks, mate!
0:14:16 > 0:14:20Tomorrow, Herve's concentration skills will be put to the test.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30The English Channel's chilly waters are home to
0:14:30 > 0:14:33one of the country's most charismatic warm-blooded animals.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35The seal.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40It's not uncommon for seal pups to be spotted on the beaches
0:14:40 > 0:14:42and coves of the Channel.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46Many are healthy but some newborns are distressed or orphaned
0:14:46 > 0:14:48and in need of help.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53Wildlife centres, like Mallydams Wood near Hastings
0:14:53 > 0:14:56are on hand to take in the sick, injured and vulnerable.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04The marine in-patients are rehabilitated by
0:15:04 > 0:15:07RSPCA officers like Richard Thompson and Elaine Crouch,
0:15:07 > 0:15:11who are trained in specialist seal care.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17At only 8kg when it first came to them,
0:15:17 > 0:15:20this pup was the smallest they'd ever taken in.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24She must have been about two weeks premature
0:15:24 > 0:15:27because she still had the umbilical cord.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29SEAL BARKS
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Right, back to you.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37SEAL WHINES GENTLY
0:15:37 > 0:15:42- So, when she came in, she came in at 8.9 kilos.- 10.92.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45- OK, so, she's put on two kilos now? - Yeah.- Since admission.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- So, that's really good. - SEAL BARKS
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- And we can feed her now. - We can feed her...
0:15:51 > 0:15:53This pup will be hand-reared
0:15:53 > 0:15:56and fattened up on a diet of 3kg of fish a day.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59It looks like we're giving her baby sausages but actually,
0:15:59 > 0:16:02this is the only way to get weight on them.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06Pups can be released to the Channel when they reach 28 kilos.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11It's three months later and the pup, now discovered to be male,
0:16:11 > 0:16:14has reached its target weight.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17It's been a long journey to fatten it up and keep it healthy
0:16:17 > 0:16:19and today is release day.
0:16:19 > 0:16:20That will probably be the last
0:16:20 > 0:16:22meal that we give because we're
0:16:22 > 0:16:26draining the pool, getting them out and then they're on their own.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31It's the big day but the pup has no idea how much it's life
0:16:31 > 0:16:33is about to change.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36These animals have been here since they were very small,
0:16:36 > 0:16:39so they're not used to the elements in the sea.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42So, you want to pick the best day, a calm day,
0:16:42 > 0:16:45to give them a chance to get used to it all.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47And then hopefully, they'll thrive.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Often, people do ask, animals that have been in captivity,
0:16:50 > 0:16:52how are they going to fare for themselves?
0:16:52 > 0:16:55How are they going to catch their own food?
0:16:55 > 0:16:58And all the studies show that they do. There's instinct there.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03Once it's released, the team can still track its progress.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07Each seal that we release has a tag and an individual number,
0:17:07 > 0:17:10so if somebody spots that, they phone it through to us,
0:17:10 > 0:17:12we know exactly when it was released,
0:17:12 > 0:17:15the weight it was released and how long ago it was, so, we know.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20With a bit of gentle persuasion with a broom, the young seal is
0:17:20 > 0:17:24crated up and ready to leave its small pool for the open sea.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28Yes...
0:17:28 > 0:17:31It's being released at Pett Level Beach in East Sussex,
0:17:31 > 0:17:36where conditions are ideal, with good weather and calm seas.
0:17:36 > 0:17:37His first taste of the sea,
0:17:37 > 0:17:41he's not going to have to contend with great big crashing waves...
0:17:41 > 0:17:44and cold weather.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48So, hopefully, he'll just slip into the sea and live happily ever after.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53This will be the first time the seal pup has seen the sea
0:17:53 > 0:17:55since it was just a few days old.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57OK?
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Will natural instincts kick in?
0:18:26 > 0:18:30It's got the right idea - and tries to head out to sea,
0:18:30 > 0:18:32but is not making much headway.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44The pup doesn't seem to be able to get past the breakers.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46Go, go, go!
0:18:52 > 0:18:55This is so new to him. He's never experienced this before.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59And he was keen to go but, of course, he's not used to the waves.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02And it is, you know, although it's a beautiful day,
0:19:02 > 0:19:04that's still pretty tough.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09He just has to learn to get beyond that, which he will.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18It appears that the pup is finally finding its confidence.
0:19:30 > 0:19:35But then it's spotted back on dry land further down the beach.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37For this to be a successful release,
0:19:37 > 0:19:42the seal needs to swim out into the open sea.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46It's like anybody doing something for the first time. He has to find out
0:19:46 > 0:19:50how it all works. I mean, that is his element and he's going to have to
0:19:50 > 0:19:54have waves crashing around him throughout the winter. And he's fine.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58He's built for that. But this is the bit with all the unknown.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03Our seal pool is calm. He gets fish thrown in.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07This is the very first time he's really had the elements.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11So, he WILL be fine. But you would just like him to go straight out.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15It's not looking good for the seal.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18And it's still struggling to get past the waves.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24If he's going to do this for too long, he's going to get exhausted.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27So, then we have to think about catching him up again if we can.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31But if he would only go through the waves, it's calm out there.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00After an anxious wait, Elaine decides to intervene.
0:21:00 > 0:21:05We're going to try and catch him up. Take him back and assess him.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07Probably keep him for a few days.
0:21:07 > 0:21:12And then wait and see if we've got another opportunity of good weather.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14Cos he's going to be tired now.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19But as if it knew that this was its last chance...
0:21:19 > 0:21:21Has he gone?
0:21:21 > 0:21:24Yay!
0:21:24 > 0:21:26We couldn't see. Has he definitely gone?
0:21:27 > 0:21:30The pup finally swims out on to the Channel,
0:21:30 > 0:21:33its head just visible above the swell.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- MAN:- There he is, there he is, there he is...
0:21:42 > 0:21:47He should be fine now because the hard bit is this bit here.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Now that he's out there, the swell isn't so bad
0:21:50 > 0:21:51and they're equipped for it.
0:21:51 > 0:21:56He'll be just gliding through the water now.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59I mean, if we stood here long enough and kept scanning,
0:21:59 > 0:22:02we might see his head bob up.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06But no, I can't see him any more.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09No.
0:22:09 > 0:22:14For the Mallydams team, it's another successful seal release.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16And it's back to base for feeding time.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29Tug boats are the workhorses of busy ports.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31Manoeuvring the huge cargo vessels
0:22:31 > 0:22:35and oil tankers through the deep but narrow shipping lanes and into dock.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40But they also have an important role to play in emergencies.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44At Southampton, the Osaka, laden with luxury cars,
0:22:44 > 0:22:46has run aground in the middle of the Solent.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51It's a volatile situation.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55So, the tugs from Solent Towage are brought in to stabilise the vessel.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58This is not a normal tug job.
0:22:58 > 0:22:59It's not normal employment for tugs
0:22:59 > 0:23:02to do something like this.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04Erm, it's actually very much
0:23:04 > 0:23:05out of the ordinary.
0:23:05 > 0:23:10The challenges of working with a ship which is at a severe angle
0:23:10 > 0:23:15are being able to get the tug safely alongside
0:23:15 > 0:23:18without doing damage to the ship or the tug.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24The vessel's owners appoint a salvage team, who will assess
0:23:24 > 0:23:28the damage and work out how to refloat the stricken ship.
0:23:28 > 0:23:34We have to wait until the situation is right for salvos
0:23:34 > 0:23:39to be able to get on board the ship and get themselves into a position
0:23:39 > 0:23:43to assist the tug crew to take the tow lines
0:23:43 > 0:23:45and make them secure.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50The salvage team discovers one of the vehicles on board
0:23:50 > 0:23:54has punctured a hole in the hull, causing water to flood the ship.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01Towing the Osaka back to port now is not an option.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03The tugs must remain on the scene,
0:24:03 > 0:24:06making sure the Osaka doesn't drift into the shipping lane.
0:24:09 > 0:24:14An event like the Hoegh Osaka is a high-pressure situation
0:24:14 > 0:24:18for a waterway such as the Solent, which relies
0:24:18 > 0:24:22so much on a clear passage for ships to come in and out of the port.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28There is a lot of pressure on everybody involved to keep that
0:24:28 > 0:24:32ship where it should be, so that the port remains open.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38Two days later, while the salvos are still working out how to refloat
0:24:38 > 0:24:43the vessel, the spring tide intervenes and frees the Osaka from the bank.
0:24:44 > 0:24:50The tugs brought her here to a location known as Alpha Anchorage, a safe holding position.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55Whilst the ship is at Alpha Anchorage,
0:24:55 > 0:24:58the job of the tugs is to keep the ship safe and stable,
0:24:58 > 0:25:01so that the salvos can continue to do their job.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09While the tugs hold the Osaka in position, Harbour Patrol officer
0:25:09 > 0:25:14Paul Black is enforcing a 300 metre exclusion zone around the ship.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17He has to keep the many interested onlookers,
0:25:17 > 0:25:20who have flocked to the scene, from getting too close.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25The tugs, with their wires attached, if something happens,
0:25:25 > 0:25:28they may have to manoeuvre at very short notice
0:25:28 > 0:25:31and what they don't want is small boats in the area
0:25:31 > 0:25:32getting in the way.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35And this is enforceable in law.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39If anybody was to venture into the net zone,
0:25:39 > 0:25:44they leave themselves liable to prosecution.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48I've been on this stretch of the water now for over 30 years
0:25:48 > 0:25:53and I've never seen anything like this before. It's unprecedented.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55The salvos are now on the scene,
0:25:55 > 0:25:59preparing to pump out the 3,000 tonnes of water on board.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02The plan is to slowly right her.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05They are in the process of pumping the water out.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08But because the weather's not very good in the Solent at the moment,
0:26:08 > 0:26:11they don't want to destabilise the ship by pumping too much out,
0:26:11 > 0:26:16or to pump it too quickly, so the ship just flops over onto the other side.
0:26:16 > 0:26:21Cos that would be catastrophic. All the cargo that was inside could then slide down the other
0:26:21 > 0:26:25side of the ship and maybe puncture more holes in the hull.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28A salvage operation of this magnitude will not be cheap.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32They've got four tugs on standby 24 hours a day.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35You've got the salvage team themselves.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38This is a multimillion pound operation.
0:26:39 > 0:26:44The role of the tugs to stabilise a ship in this
0:26:44 > 0:26:47kind of condition are to position themselves alongside
0:26:47 > 0:26:52the ship on either side of it and also, fore and aft,
0:26:52 > 0:26:57the tug skippers have to keep a very close eye on the position
0:26:57 > 0:27:01of their tug and the ship and the whole ensemble.
0:27:01 > 0:27:06They do this by fine-tuning the pitch settings and the engine movements
0:27:06 > 0:27:10on the individual tugs and working together, by the use
0:27:10 > 0:27:13of the radio, to make sure that everybody's doing the same thing.
0:27:15 > 0:27:20The Tug Master must retain his full concentration at all times
0:27:20 > 0:27:22throughout the operation.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26Because if he loses concentration, even for a moment,
0:27:26 > 0:27:28an accident can happen very quickly.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34As the weather deteriorates, the pumping has to be put on hold.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40It's day seven of the operation and there's no telling when the Osaka,
0:27:40 > 0:27:44with her millions of pounds worth of vehicles will get back to port.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55The ports along the English Channel are a continual hive of activity,
0:27:57 > 0:28:01with towering cranes lifting containers to and from
0:28:01 > 0:28:05shipping vessels and terminal vehicles moving them on the ground.
0:28:08 > 0:28:13At Southampton, 264 drivers operate the straddle carriers.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17At any one time, 70 are in operation, moving containers
0:28:17 > 0:28:22to and from lorries and ships for their onward journey by road or sea.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26And today, Herve Garrod is hoping to join their ranks.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29It's the morning of his driving test.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31And after three weeks of training,
0:28:31 > 0:28:34his future at the docks is hanging in the balance.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38- Today's D-Day, yeah. The big day of the test.- How are you feeling?
0:28:38 > 0:28:40I'm feeling quite confident. Looking forward to it.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43Erm, I'd just like to get it over and done with now.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45It means a lot to me. I need to get through this today.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50Herve's fate rests with training coordinator John White,
0:28:50 > 0:28:53who's conducted over 105 assessments and has
0:28:53 > 0:28:58a quarter of a century's experience at the wheel of a straddle carrier.
0:28:58 > 0:28:59Morning, John!
0:28:59 > 0:29:02- Oh, hello, Herve! How we doing? - Yeah, not so bad, thanks.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04- Are you all right?- Yeah.- Yeah, good.
0:29:04 > 0:29:09Herve will find a little bit of pressure out there today.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11The reason is, we're going to be hammering him
0:29:11 > 0:29:16with procedural questions. He's going to be trying to multitask, he's going
0:29:16 > 0:29:19to be doing all sorts of things that are rather difficult.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21- Are ready to start? - Ready to start, yeah.
0:29:21 > 0:29:26OK, so just explain to me what you're going to be looking for from the ground check of the machine.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30- Well, from the ground, I'm going to take a walk round this side.- OK.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33I'm going to be looking at the wheels, the tyres...
0:29:33 > 0:29:35Like all qualified straddle drivers,
0:29:35 > 0:29:39Herve must demonstrate he can carry out his own ground checks.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44Only then can he make the 40-foot ascent to the cab.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47And all under John's watchful eye.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50He is nervous today but I can fully understand that.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54Most drivers that come out with me are nervous in some way.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57Maybe it's something to do with my persona.
0:29:57 > 0:30:02But, hey, you know, erm, it is what it is!
0:30:02 > 0:30:05BEEPING Where are we going to, Herve?
0:30:05 > 0:30:11Well, were going to drop this container onto a lorry at slot 83.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14Always good to know that you've deciphered the information nicely.
0:30:15 > 0:30:20Herve's first task is to locate and move a 20 foot container.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22But right away, there's a problem.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27John...
0:30:27 > 0:30:30The box I wanted, which I thought it was, when I came in here,
0:30:30 > 0:30:33- it said that that box down there... - Yes...
0:30:33 > 0:30:36..I've just moved this one from the six here on top of the box that I needed.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40So, now I need to move that one back to get that one out from under there.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42So, what are you going to do?
0:30:42 > 0:30:45Well, I'm going to pick this box up, let Control know that
0:30:45 > 0:30:49I'm moving it back to that position, and I'm going to take that box from that position.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54Herve's GPS system, that keeps track of all
0:30:54 > 0:30:59the containers on the dock, has pointed him towards the wrong box.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01It can happen quite often.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03I'd rather it happened on his assessment,
0:31:03 > 0:31:07so I can see that he's been able to sort this out himself.
0:31:07 > 0:31:13So, he's already begun to realise that there's been an error with the GPS.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16And so, he's correcting that. So, I'm quite pleased.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22Just like in a car driving test, committing
0:31:22 > 0:31:27a serious or dangerous fault will result in automatic failure.
0:31:27 > 0:31:32He may well hit a box in the stack. That's a big no-no.
0:31:34 > 0:31:39He may reverse off a lorry and not see another carrier coming the other way.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44Big no-no. It's a red flagger. It's a failure.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47So, poor old Herve has got some things to think about today,
0:31:47 > 0:31:49that's for sure.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51So far, Herve is off to a good start.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54So, John decides it's time to pile on the pressure.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00Now, Herve, explain to me about driving etiquette out on the berth.
0:32:01 > 0:32:06- Always give way to the east-west roadway.- Uh-huh...
0:32:06 > 0:32:09Erm, stay to the left as best as you can.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12Everybody knows what they are doing then, don't they?
0:32:12 > 0:32:15- Although it looks like chaos, it isn't, is it?- No.- No. Indeed.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- If you follow the rules of the road, you're all right.- It's cool.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20So, what are you looking out for when you turn?
0:32:20 > 0:32:25- I'm looking out for other straddles in the immediate area.- And there's one right behind us, is there not?
0:32:25 > 0:32:28- There's one turning right and there's one coming towards us. - Good, good. Well done.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33Navigating these docks is a complex task and with a constant
0:32:33 > 0:32:37stream of traffic, it only takes a second for accidents to occur.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40Actually, just talking to me
0:32:40 > 0:32:46- and driving, is quite a tricky one, isn't it?- Yeah, it's not the best.
0:32:46 > 0:32:51So, I can see that you can multitask quite nicely,
0:32:51 > 0:32:54which is very good for me to see.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00But it seems John may have spoken too soon.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04- I'm in the wrong place now, after all that.- So, we're meant to be going to where?
0:33:04 > 0:33:07- 14, yeah.- OK. - I got carried away there.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11- No, that's fine because it's not always easy.- All right.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14We had a bit of a moment and I got a bit carried away there,
0:33:14 > 0:33:17so, a bit of a distraction and I ended up in the wrong place.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19So, yeah... These things happen.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22That's why you've got to keep your wits about you and keep focused.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26Herve's loss of concentration could have spelt disaster.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30As the test comes to an end, Herve now faces a debriefing with
0:33:30 > 0:33:32John and his former instructor, Richard.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37- Your stack work...- Yeah?- ..
0:33:37 > 0:33:41- Was very good. Your entry was safe.- Right.
0:33:41 > 0:33:46It was calculated. It was thought out.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50Ultimately, John will decide if Herve passes or fails.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53So, multitasking, Herve...
0:33:53 > 0:33:58Tell me about your multitasking efforts today.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01- Erm, well, I was slightly distracted.- Ah!
0:34:01 > 0:34:03- I would say you were!- Yes.- Yes.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05Well, what I ask you is to try
0:34:05 > 0:34:11and improve on your concentration levels up there.
0:34:11 > 0:34:16Herve did, considering, pretty well today.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18He did make mistakes but I expected that.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22He was not, erm, a maverick,
0:34:22 > 0:34:24which some of them are.
0:34:24 > 0:34:29He did get a bit ragged at the end but it's a tough old life out there.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33It's very, very important to them to pass.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37There is a kind of stigma attached if you don't first time.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43Yes! Yeah, I've just been in there
0:34:43 > 0:34:46and I've been told that I've passed. So, right now, I'm buzzing.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49That's what I've been after for the last couple of weeks
0:34:49 > 0:34:52and I'm made up that I'll soon be working with a team. Can't wait!
0:34:53 > 0:34:56I am extraordinarily pleased for him.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00And I think, actually, although he doesn't often
0:35:00 > 0:35:03show emotion,
0:35:03 > 0:35:06he was very pleased himself today, I think.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08After being out for six years, and now I'm finally back,
0:35:08 > 0:35:11so, yeah, I'm made up. I couldn't be happier at the minute!
0:35:11 > 0:35:15It's brilliant! I'm feeling quite emotional, really.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19Herve now joins the hundreds of other straddle drivers
0:35:19 > 0:35:22keeping Southampton the top performing port in the UK.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33The English Channel is the busiest stretch of water in the world.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35And to keep the traffic flowing,
0:35:35 > 0:35:40multiple agencies work together to prevent accidents and delays.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42INDISTINCT SPEECH OVER RADIO
0:35:44 > 0:35:47When incidents do occur, all resources are called into action.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53At Southampton, tug boats, Harbour Patrol, the Coastguard
0:35:53 > 0:35:58and a salvage team are focusing on a car carrier that grounded eight days ago.
0:36:00 > 0:36:05It's at safe anchorage but it's at a perilous angle of 52 degrees.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09High winds have hampered the salvos' efforts to pump out
0:36:09 > 0:36:12water on board and bring it upright.
0:36:13 > 0:36:18But with the weather easing, the operation can now resume.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22A helicopter transports the salvos and their equipment to the scene.
0:36:24 > 0:36:29The salvos have the plan which they work through to reduce
0:36:29 > 0:36:32the list on the ship to an angle which was safe
0:36:32 > 0:36:36and acceptable for it to be towed into port.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39This took, just took a few days before that was completed.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45The salvos' pumping operation reduces the list from 52
0:36:45 > 0:36:51to just five degrees, meaning 18 days after it was grounded,
0:36:51 > 0:36:54the Osaka is ready to be moved back to Southampton port.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59The success of an operation such as this is due to the experience
0:36:59 > 0:37:07and training of Tug Masters, who spend many years learning their trade.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09All their skills are about to be called upon
0:37:09 > 0:37:12because this is not a normal towing job.
0:37:13 > 0:37:18The difference between a dead ship of this size and a ship which is
0:37:18 > 0:37:22under its own power is that it can do nothing to help itself.
0:37:22 > 0:37:28Getting a 51,000 tonne dead ship through a busy port is going to be difficult,
0:37:28 > 0:37:31so Harbour Patrol officers Duncan and Chic are on hand
0:37:31 > 0:37:36to keep the coast clear, especially as the Osaka is headline news.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40We'll be keeping all leisure traffic out of the way.
0:37:40 > 0:37:45Worst-case scenario, I guess if somebody gets in between a tug
0:37:45 > 0:37:48and the ship unnecessarily.
0:37:48 > 0:37:53A few little leisure boats hanging around, trying to get close
0:37:53 > 0:37:58and get some shots, so, our job is to keep them at a safe distance.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04Just going to keep an eye on this Rib over here.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06He was being a bit keen a week or two ago,
0:38:06 > 0:38:09so, we'll make sure he doesn't come any closer.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12Chic could give him one of his stares!
0:38:18 > 0:38:20So far, the towing has been without incident.
0:38:20 > 0:38:25But 30 minutes in, and the most precarious part of the tow is just ahead.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29We're just approaching West Bramble turn now.
0:38:29 > 0:38:34So, the lee tugs come round to starboard, ready for the turn.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38The tide's well away to the west, so, yeah,
0:38:38 > 0:38:41this is where it's all happening.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43It's one of the trickier bits.
0:38:43 > 0:38:47It's obviously a skill to bring big ships around a tight turn like this.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52And more so with it being a dead ship.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56So, erm, you know, it's down to the pilot and the master on the tug.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58You know, to keep full control.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02RADIO: 'Just to give you an update on the tow, we're just making
0:39:02 > 0:39:06'the Bramble turn, so I'm quite sure you'll see it
0:39:06 > 0:39:08'and keep well out the way.'
0:39:09 > 0:39:14- Yeah, we have a visual. We'll keep well clear. Don't worry. - 'Thanks, mate.'
0:39:18 > 0:39:20After negotiating the West Bramble turn,
0:39:20 > 0:39:24the Osaka is now on the home straight.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26- Fantastic, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29It's a lot better than 48 hours ago.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33And what a perfect day to bring her back up into the docks.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35I didn't think you could get any more cars in the car park
0:39:35 > 0:39:36over at Calshot.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38It's a major vantage point for, obviously,
0:39:38 > 0:39:41viewing the central Solent.
0:39:41 > 0:39:46It's a nice day and everybody's come out to see the Hoegh Osaka
0:39:46 > 0:39:48making her way safely back into the port.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53Up in the docks now, they'll be making the berth
0:39:53 > 0:39:58ready for her, making sure there's men there to tie her up.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00I believe they've got generator power back on board now,
0:40:00 > 0:40:03which will help deploying the ropes ashore
0:40:03 > 0:40:06and making sure we can get her tight and fast alongside.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19We're going to stay with her all the way.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23Keep an eye on the back end all the way up to dock head.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28Getting this monster ship into berth under tug power alone
0:40:28 > 0:40:31requires a cautious and precise approach.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35RADIO: 'If you can work your way down to the Port now, please. Stand by.'
0:40:35 > 0:40:37Onto the port, Simon. Stand by.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42The Hoegh Osaka is just approaching 101 berth now.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45We've got tugs ready to push up on the port side
0:40:45 > 0:40:49and obviously a tug attached to the stern to slow her down.
0:40:49 > 0:40:54She is a dead ship. So, pilot on the bridge of the ship's communicating
0:40:54 > 0:40:58to the lead tug, so, they're in close communications.
0:40:59 > 0:41:04And they've just indicated that they can take her way off and...
0:41:04 > 0:41:06push her up onto the berth.
0:41:16 > 0:41:21After three hours, the Osaka has completed her 15 mile journey back to port.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30The guys up there on the stern are trying to throw a heaving line
0:41:30 > 0:41:32to the shore crew.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36But I think they've got no Olympic throwers up there!
0:41:36 > 0:41:39The work launch has gone in to assist.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43- Wa-hay! - TUG BLASTS HORN
0:41:45 > 0:41:49It's taken 19 days of intensive round-the-clock work
0:41:49 > 0:41:52from the Coastguard, tug boats, Harbour Patrol
0:41:52 > 0:41:56and salvage crews to bring the Osaka safely into berth.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01This is what we've been waiting for, for a few weeks. It's... It's...
0:42:01 > 0:42:04a nice sight after seeing it listing over for over two
0:42:04 > 0:42:07weeks in the middle of the Solent.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09So, there will be a lot of relieved people.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13For Duncan, it's the end of a long day.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15Job's a good'un! Yeah.
0:42:15 > 0:42:20It's, erm, with much relief for all of the marine staff involved,
0:42:20 > 0:42:22it's been a hectic couple of weeks.
0:42:22 > 0:42:27And obviously, also, the Tug Masters and crew on the tugs,
0:42:27 > 0:42:30you know, they've been out there for weeks and weeks.
0:42:31 > 0:42:35So, it'll be nice to put their feet up tonight, I think.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40And then...tomorrow's another day!
0:42:43 > 0:42:46With the Hoegh Osaka safely back in the hands of
0:42:46 > 0:42:50her owners, the agencies can continue their round-the-clock work
0:42:50 > 0:42:55to keep the English Channel, and those who sail her, safe.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58It's lucky we're fit, isn't it?