On February 25, the 286 meter long, 80225 dwt container ship Rio Bravo ran aground off Port Said, Egypt. The Rio Bravo was approaching Port Said from Mersin, Turkey when it ran aground. Unable to free itself, the vessel requested assistance. Three tugs were dispatched and were able to pull the Rio Bravo free the following day. The tugs escorted the Rio Bravo into port where the boxship was inspected for damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 335 meter long, 96980 dwt container ship Helsinki Bridge allided with a quay at the Paul W. Conley Container Terminal in Boston, Massachusetts. The Helsinki Bridge was berthed at the terminal when strong winds caused all 12 mooring lines to snap. The container ship drifted free striking the pier and one of the terminal’s cranes. Damage to the Helsinki Bridge was minimal, but the pier sustained some damage.
The Coast Guard along with local authorities responded to the scene. Two tugboats and a pilot boat escorted the Helsinki Bridge to Broad Sound where the boxship dropped anchor. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.
On October 10, a strong super cell storm struck KwaZulu-Natal along with the harbour at Durban, South Africa. The storm brought strong wind gusts and heavy rains causing several vessels to break their moorings and run aground.
The 348 meter long, 114733 dwt container ship MSC Ines broke free of its moorings and was blown across the harbour until it lay perpendicular to the harbour entrance. Five tugs were dispatched to refloat the boxship and assist it back to its berth. The MSC Ines sustained damage to its stern No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 336 meter long, 102518 dwt container ship SM New York broke its mooring and was blown aground on a nearby sand bank.
The 183 meter long tanker Bow Triumph broke its mooring at Island View and was blown aground on a nearby sand bank.
Both the 337 meter long, 117095 dwt container ship MSC Susanna and the 190 meter long, 55820 dwt bulk carrier Maritime Newanda broke their moorings during the storm. Tugs were nearby and were able to hold the vessels in place until the storm abated.
