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.
On March 27, the 178 meter long, 24700 dwt container ship Delphis Gdansk collided with the 190 meter long, 37506 dwt cargo vessel BBC Neptune off Kalundborg, Denmark. The Delphis Gdansk was en route to Russia from the Netherlands when it approached the bulk carrier Western Boheme and cargo vessel BBC Neptune. The Delphis Gdansk altered its course so that the container ship would pass to the port side of the Western Boheme while the BBC Neptune also changed course to port. While the Delphis Gdansk passed safely by the Western Boheme, the container ship was struck amidship by the BBC Neptune’s starboard hull near the bow.
Both vessels sustained significant damage with hull breaches above the waterline. The Delphis Gdansk had several containers lost or destroyed during the collision. After the collision, a fire started on the BBC Neptune. A response boat was dispatched with fire fighters and were able to assist in extinguishing the blaze. No reports of injuries on either vessel.
Photo: slobodnadalmacija.hr
Authorities dispatched additional response vessels and aircraft to the scene while salvors began a search of containers in the shipping channel. Reports stated seven containers had been lost in the collision. By the next day, salvors had recovered three containers floating in the channel.
Photo: slobodnadalmacija.hr
Photo: fyens.dk
Photo: fyens.dk
Photo: fyens.dk
Photo: fyens.dk
Reports state both the Delphis Gdansk and BBC Neptune will be taken to a nearby shipyard for repairs. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On March 24, the 330 meter long, 134007 dwt container ship MSC Shuba B and the 266 meter long, 63200 dwt container ship Laura Maersk collided in the port of Callao, Peru. The Laura Maersk was maneuvering in the port when it’s bow struck the stern hull of the MSC Shuba B. Both vessels sustained only slight damage and there were no injuries or pollution released. Authorities inspected both vessels and allowed them to proceed on their voyage the following day.
