Cruise ship hits cargo carrier in Cape Town due to gale force winds
The Ambience cruise liner and Grey Fox cargo carrier reported minor damage and no-one was injured
05 April 2024 - 13:21
byBobby Jordan
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Visiting cruise liner Ambience collided with a cargo carrier at Cape Town harbour. Picture: SUPPLIED.
A luxury cruise liner bumped into a cargo carrier while docking in Cape Town harbour in windy conditions early on Friday, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) confirmed.
Both ships, the Ambience cruise liner and Grey Fox cargo carrier, reported minor damage and the Ambience is expected to depart on schedule later on Friday.
“TNPA can confirm an incident that occurred [on Friday] during the docking of a cruise liner that came into contact with a cargo carrier docked at B berth,” said acting port manager Ophelia Shabane.
“No passengers or crew on board the vessels were injured. The cause of the incident is being investigated and damage is being assessed. Port operations continue as normal and have not been affected. TNPA will continue to monitor the situation.”
The accident appeared to be linked to gale-force wind conditions.
“It’s why I say don’t do shipping when the wind is too strong” said a maritime source with knowledge of the incident.
Ambience is reportedly on its maiden round-the-world cruise. “Her first round-the-world cruise and she gets damaged in the Cape,” said the source.
UK-based ship owners Ambassador Cruise Line did not respond immediately to queries on Friday.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Cruise ship hits cargo carrier in Cape Town due to gale force winds
The Ambience cruise liner and Grey Fox cargo carrier reported minor damage and no-one was injured
A luxury cruise liner bumped into a cargo carrier while docking in Cape Town harbour in windy conditions early on Friday, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) confirmed.
Both ships, the Ambience cruise liner and Grey Fox cargo carrier, reported minor damage and the Ambience is expected to depart on schedule later on Friday.
“TNPA can confirm an incident that occurred [on Friday] during the docking of a cruise liner that came into contact with a cargo carrier docked at B berth,” said acting port manager Ophelia Shabane.
“No passengers or crew on board the vessels were injured. The cause of the incident is being investigated and damage is being assessed. Port operations continue as normal and have not been affected. TNPA will continue to monitor the situation.”
The accident appeared to be linked to gale-force wind conditions.
“It’s why I say don’t do shipping when the wind is too strong” said a maritime source with knowledge of the incident.
Ambience is reportedly on its maiden round-the-world cruise. “Her first round-the-world cruise and she gets damaged in the Cape,” said the source.
UK-based ship owners Ambassador Cruise Line did not respond immediately to queries on Friday.
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