A car transporter ship was deliberately grounded off the Isle of Wight on Saturday evening after it began to list, the BBC reports. The Hoegh Osaka had left port in Southampton less than an hour before.

Two of the 25 safely-rescued crew were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, Ingar Skiaker, chief executive of Hoegh Autoliners, told the BBC. The ship is now listing at more than 50 degrees.

"Our vessel developed a severe list shortly after she left port and the pilot and the master took the decision to save the vessel and its crew by grounding her on the bank," Skiaker said. "This showed great skill and seamanship on behalf of our crew when faced with such challenging circumstances."

"Our chief concern now is to ensure there is no environmental damage from this incident," he added. According to the BBC an official from the Maritime Coastguard Agency said there was no environmental damage.

The 51,000 ton ship currently also contains 1,400 cars. The BBC reports that salvage operations are expected to take several days.

[Photo credit: Getty Images]