Cape Town – Shipwreck Log

On April 3, the 335 meter long, 101383 dwt container ship CMA CGM Samson ran aground in Cape Town, South Africa. The CGMA CGM Samson had departed from Singapore with over 1,000 containers on board. After stopping at Reunion Island, the vessel proceeded on its voyage to Cape Town. As it entered the harbour in Cape Town and headed towards the container terminal, the bow of the boxship struck the south breakwater. Three tugs were dispatched and were able to refloat the CMA CGM Samson. The tugs escorted the boxship to its berth where it was surveyed for damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Reports state the CMA CGM Samson may have run aground due to entering the harbour at low tide.

Geum Jeong No. 101

February 21, 2017 Paul Hancock

The 58 meter long fishing vessel Geum Jeong No. 101 caught fire while berthed in Cape Town, South Africa. The fire started broke out in the hold where packaging and styrofoam was being stored. The fire quickly engulfed the superstructure while fire fighters attempted to contain the blaze.

After three days, the fire was finally extinguished, but the fishing vessel sustained significant damage. No reports of injuries. Authorities placed a boom around the Geum Jeong No. 101 to contain any potential pollution released. South African authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Verano

November 14, 2016 Paul Hancock

On November 6, the 97 meter long, 3535 dwt fish factory ship Verano caught fire while berthed in Cape Town, South Africa. The fire started by welding on the main deck and quickly spread through the decks and superstructure. Some of the 800,000 styrofoam containers on board the Verano caught fire and spewed out a thick flume of toxic smoke. The five crew on board the Verano were able to escape the blaze while local authorities dispatched several teams of fire fighters to the scene. Assisted by local tugs, fire crews were eventually able to contain the blaze, but the fire continued to burn for nearly a week before it could be completely extinguished. The fish factory sustained significant damage and had developed a list to starboard. Booms were placed around the vessel to contain any pollution released. No reports of injuries.