Bahamas-flagged car carrier CSSC Asia collided with an inactive tug Inyalazi while berthing alongside at the R-Shed in the Port of Durban’s Point Precinct on Friday, April 13, according to the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA).
No one was injured in the accident, said TNPA spokesperson, Ms. Ayanda Somagaca, as there were no crew members on the tug.
“Damage occurred to the quayside and the tug sustained a hole on its side which has resulted in an ingress of water into the tug. Tug Umbilo was deployed to the site with a salvage pump to remove the water from Inyalazi,” the spokesperson added.
“Divers and Port of Durban marine crew were on site to closely assess the extent of the damage for the purposes of blocking water from entering the tug. SAMSA arrived at the scene to assess the damage to the tug and the commercial vessel.”
Based on TNPA’s information, the car carrier, operated by Hoegh Autoliners, was able to continue its operations while the tug was set to be moved to a drydock for repairs.
The operations at the port were not interrupted due to the incident.
“Investigation is in progress and the cause leading to the incident can only be determined on concluding the investigation which involves statements from the ship and tugboat crew and relevant eyewitness personnel,” Saroor Ali, Captain of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), said on Sunday.
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