On April 13, the 30 meter long tugboat Umhlali was struck by the 200 meter long, 21037 dwt car carrier CSCC Asia in Durban harbour, South Africa. The CSCC Asia was departing from Durban with a pilot on board when it veered forward and pinned the berthed Umhlali against the quay. The CSCC Asia sustained no damaged, but the Umhlali sustained damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The CSCC Asia departed the following day for Luanda. No further details reported.
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.
The 46 meter long, 489 gt fishing vessel Hsiang Fuh No. 6 caught fire in the Indian Ocean some 736 kilometers off Durban South Africa. The blaze could not be contained and the crew sent out a distress call before all 30 persons on board abandoned ship into the vessel’s two life rafts.
The message was relayed to the South African Maritime Safety Authority who notified nearby vessels. The container ship Ever Diadem, bulk carrier Hampton Bay and bulk carrier SBI Antares responded. Sixteen crew were rescued by the Ever Diadem while 14 were picked up by the SBI Antares. Both vessels proceded to Durban with the survivors. One crew member had sustained serious burns.
Reports state the Hsiang Fuh No. 6 was last sighted still burning and afloat. Authorities have issued a navigation warning around the area.
