A large bulk carrier has been involved in a violent collision at the Port of Durban, with dramatic footage showing the vessel striking the harbour quay on Tuesday night.
The incident reportedly happened at around 21:30 on September 1, with video circulating on social media showing the HAWK S steadily moving towards the side of the harbour before violently smashing into the quay.
Photos obtained by SA Trucker following the incident appear to show the HAWK S heavily damaged after the collision.
The full extent of the damage to the vessel and port infrastructure is not yet known.
HAWK S is a recently built bulk carrier measuring approximately 180 metres in length and 30 metres wide. Vessel-tracking data identifies it as sailing under the Liberian flag.
Read | This Giant Ship Is 228 Metres Long – And It’s Making History in Durban
AIS data shows the vessel arrived in Durban on August 31. Its tracking history also records the vessel as under way using engine at approximately 20:12 on September 1, before subsequently being recorded as moored.
At this stage, the circumstances that led to the collision remain unclear. It is not known whether the vessel was manoeuvring within the port, moving alongside a berth or experiencing a technical or operational problem when the incident occurred.
There have been no confirmed reports of injuries or fatalities linked to the incident at the time of publication.
SA Trucker has approached Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) for confirmation of the incident and further information, including the extent of the damage, whether anyone was injured and whether port operations have been affected.
This is a developing story. SA Trucker will update this article as more information becomes available.
Watch the video below:
The latest SA Trucking News straight to your inbox!
