Car carrier Viking Sea struck Hamilton’s cargo docks yesterday after a towline broke as the ship attempted to leave port.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Transport and Regulatory Affairs said the incident happened at 3pm and was being investigated.

He added: “The car carrier Viking Sea departed the cargo docks in Hamilton at 3pm today with the assistance of the two government tugs, Powerful and Faithful.

“During the unberthing procedure and manoeuvring off the berth, one of the tug’s towline parted resulting in the vessel drifting down on, and making contact with, the corner of the cargo dock.”

Corporation of Hamilton chief operating officer Ed Benevides added that damage to the dock would be assessed today.

At 8.30pm last night, the ship was still docked in Hamilton.