Walkers on the North Wales coast were left scratching their heads when they spotted a “massive object” floating in the sea through the winter haze. At first glance, it appeared as though a small island had emerged in Liverpool Bay.
Lisa Kearns, who was enjoying a stroll along the Wales Coast Path near Deganwy golf course in Conwy, caught sight of the peculiar sight off the Great Orme in Llandudno. Although logic suggested it was a ship, Lisa’s imagination ran wild for a moment, reports North Wales Live.
She took to social media for clarification, posting: “It looks like an island but we think it’s a ship.” For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter
After some light-hearted banter and a few jests about needing glasses, the mysterious object was identified as the MSC Bianca, a large container ship. Due to storm damage at Holyhead Port, which remained closed, speculation arose that the vessel was en route to Liverpool.
A local man clarified that the boat was “sitting to be brought into Liverpool docks,” adding: “The boat will be waiting for a pilot skipper to take her in.”
The MSC Bianca container ship on the Caland Canal, Netherlands
(Image: kees torn/Wiki)
The MSC Bianca is a colossal 328-metre vessel, constructed in China back in 2019. Registered with Monrovia as its home port, it currently sails under the Liberian flag. An employee from Ysbyty Glan Clwyd humorously commented online, suggesting their Temu order might be aboard the ship.
Lisa’s encounter with the MSC Bianca occurred on Friday, January 3. The ship made its way to Liverpool dock the next day, unloaded its cargo, and set sail again in the early hours of Tuesday, January 7.
The ocean-crossing giant weighing 112,695 tonnes will anchor next at the port of Wilhelmshaven in Germany this Friday, January 10, with Liverpool being a frequent stop on its global journeys. Despite a few online criticisms, Lisa’s curiosity remained unshaken.
With a hint of jest, she admitted her slight disappointment that the mystery object was merely a container ship, adding: “I really wanted to name my new-found island as well.”