Tugboat damaged after a collision at port

AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into a collision between a car carrier vessel and an inactive tugboat while the ship was berthing alongside the Durban Point Precinct, according to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa).

The vessel CSCC ASIA, operated by Hoegh Autoliners, collided with the inactive tug Inyalazi at about 9am on Friday at R shed, at the Port of Durban.

No injuries were reported and there were no crew members on board the tug Inyalazi.

Damage occurred to the quayside and the tug sustained a hole on its starboard side which resulted in an ingress of water into the tug.

Surveyors were on site yesterday to closely assess the extent of the damage. Divers were deployed for the purposes of plugging water from entering the tug.

Port operations were not affected. The car carrier vessel was able to commence operation and the tug Inyalazi was moved to the dry dock for repairs.

Samsa regional manager Saroor Ali said: “Samsa is conducting an investigation to ascertain the factors contributing to the accident.”

Ali said the cause leading to the incident could only be determined after the investigation was concluded, which involves statements from various personnel like the Master of the Ship and crew on duty, the pilot on board, crew members and eyewitnesses.

Ali said when the investigation is complete, which is guided by the South African Merchant Shipping Act, the recommendations will be revealed to avoid any further recurrences.

Ali said the Video Data Recorder recording and a copy of Electronic Chart Display System playback will provide the investigators information of what happened.

“Accidents do happen in ports all over the world and it is too early in the investigation to apportion blame.

“Once the investigations are complete, a decision will be made about what action to take.

“We will also learn from this experience and put measures in place to avoid a recurrence,” said Ali.