Investigation into Durban harbour quayside crash underway
An investigation into the cause of a large car-carrying vessel's crash into a tugboat at the Durban harbour is currently underway.
On any given day at a harbour, ships of all shapes and sizes go in and out. Many of the trips are incident-free, but once in a while something unexpected does happen.
Workers at the Durban harbour had to think on their toes when a car carrier approached the harbour and crashed into a nearby tugboat.
Video footage shows that witnesses were shocked at the moment of impact.
The following video contains strong language.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority is investigating a harbour collision involving a car carrier and tug @yasantha @TimesLIVE pic.twitter.com/JR8X1mLavi
— Jeff Wicks (@wicks_jeff) April 16, 2018
The vessel, CSCC ASIA, operated by Hoegh Autoliners, can be seen colliding with the Inyalazi tugboat, which was inactive at the Point Precinct at the time.
Transnet Acting Port Manager at the Port of Durban, Nokuzola Nkowane, said no injuries were reported as there were no employees on board the tug at the time of the collision.
A spokesperson from the South African Maritime Safety Authority has said Port operations were not affected by the accident, adding that details of the cause of the crash will become clearer as the investigation continues.