Transnet National Ports Authority has successfully salvaged the CMA CGM SAMSON, after the vessel’s bow struck the South Breakwater while entering the Cape Town container terminal on Tuesday afternoon.

The vessel, which was under pilotage at the time of the incident, was carrying 1000 containers and en route from Singapore with 23 crew members on board.

According to TNPA Three tugs – Usiba, Nseleni and Pinotage – assisted in the successful rescue effort and the salvage operation commenced at high tide at 17h00 and was completed by approximately 17h20.

The ports authority notes that shipping movements in and out of Duncan Dock and Cape Town Container Terminal resumed at 19h00 after they were suspended for several hours because the 335-metre long vessel was blocking the entrance.

The TNPA says the vessel is now safely berthed at the container terminal’s Berth 604 where independent surveyors will assess damage.

“Thanks to the capabilities, commitment and teamwork of our marine crew working alongside other emergency role players, this was only a short disruption to the port and its customers,” explains Cape Town Port Manager, Mpumi Dweba-Kwetana.

The CMA CGM SAMSON’s next destination is Pointe Noire in the Congo.