A CONTAINER ship ran aground off Greenock Esplanade last night - and now the cause of the rare accident is be investigated.

The Dutch-registered Encounter was being backed into the Ocean Terminal when it became stuck on a sandbank at 5.48pm.

The vessel, with 12 crew on board, went ashore about 400 yards west of the terminal and 150 yards from the Esplanade wall.

No one was hurt and the 135-metre, 7,642-tonne ship refloated just over two hours later on the incoming tide - with the help of two tugs - and was berthed at the terminal.

Clydeport said today an investigation is to be conducted by its marine division into the cause of the grounding.

A spokesman said: "This is a very rare occurrence here. The ship gently ran aground and the re-floating went like clockwork.

"There was no leakage or pollution or breach of the cargo, which consisted of containers with a variety of goods."

Greenock Coastguard Rescue Team and Clyde Coastguard's Clyde Sector Manager were tasked to the incident.

A Coastguard spokesman said: "There was no great danger. Our main concern was if anyone on board was injured and if there was any pollution.

"But no one was injured and there was no pollution.

"The ship does not appear to have been damaged."

He said there was heavy rain at the time but no significant wind.

Coastguard rescue teams and fire and rescue crews - including an environmental protection unit - stood by on shore until the all clear was given.

The ship, which is a regular visitor to the Ocean Terminal, had arrived from Liverpool and had been due to leave just before midnight last night for Bilbao in Spain.

It was being inspected today for possible damage and is not expected to depart until Wednesday.

Three fire appliances were called to the scene as well as two police cars and a police van.

Several dozen people looked on as the emergency services cordoned off one lane of the Esplanade and the walkway.