They say that the Cougar Ace is as water tight as a ziploc baggie and that 4,700 Mazdas aren’t headed to Davy Jones locker. It seems that a ballast adjustment gone awry is what caused the ship to tip. While the extent of the damage isn’t known, it would seem likely that there is little if any damage to the vehicles. Ocean going cargo ships are designed to withstand some pretty big waves, that often roll ships up on their side momentarily and cargo (like cars) are usally secured in anticipation of this. I suspect that there will be more damage while they figure out how to unload. Let’s face it, they’re going to need something a lot bigger than what Bob’s Towing can offer to pull this thing upright.

Mazda press release after the break

On July 24, 2006, Mazda was advised that the Mitsui OSK Lines’ Cougar Ace had run into trouble off the Alaskan coast. Although it is reportedly still afloat, the vessel is on its side,

What caused this incident or the extent of the damage to the vehicles is currently unknown. Just over 4,700 Canadian- and U.S-bound Mazdas were on board. Approximately 60 percent of the cars are MAZDA3s and close to 30 percent are Mazda CX-7s. The vehicles were headed to the ports of Vancouver (Canada), Tacoma and Hueneme in the USA.

A plan for salvaging the vessel is being developed and will be executed by Mitsui OSK Lines as soon as possible.

Mazda will wait until the situation has been fully evaluated and understood, before disclosing further information.