4,703 Mazda’s almost sent to Davey Jones’ Locker
In July 2006 the Cougar Ace, on its way from Singapore to The United States carrying just over 4,700 new Mazda vehicles, partially capsized off the Alaskan coast. The crew had to abandon ship, and all Mazda’s were trapped on a 60-degree incline for almost a year.
The Cougar Ace - Off the Coast of Alaska in July 2006
After an extended salvage operation The Cougar Ace was restored to her proper stance in mid-2007. But what of Mazda’s cargo? No one could be sure of what salt-air exposure and pressure from tethers would do to the performance and safety features on a car. Instead of risking customer dissatisfaction (and worse, lawsuits from accidents) Mazda decided to demolish all vehicles on board. Now, sitting at a Portland, OR wrecking yard each automobile will be pulverized to scrap…
Some of the 4,703 Mazda vehicles on board the capsized vessel
…and processed into steel fence posts.
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