The 172 meter long ro-ro ferry Napoleon Bonaparte sank near its mooring at Marseille, France.   The ferry had broke its mooring due to strong winds with gusts reaching 100 km/hr.   The winds caued the Napoleon Bonaparte to drift into the dock resulting in hull damage.   Two watertight compartments of the hull suffered severe water ingress causing the vessel to develop a 10 degree list to starboard.  Two tugs attempted to stabilize the Napoleon Bonaparte keeping the passenger ship from capsizing at the quay.  After the compartments flooded, the vessel settled on the bottom in the harbour.  No reports of injuries as no passengers were on board as the vessel was in winter-layup.  Reports state the vessel will be refloated after any remaining oil on board has been removed to prevent any possible pollution being released.   Divers will patch the hull to stop any further leaks.

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• Ferry breaks moorings, runs into dock during high winds in France (photoblog.nbcnews.com)