Black-Rhino Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

In a decisive move, Cameroon’s Transport Minister, Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bibehe, has mandated the shipowner of the 'Black Rhino' to undertake the refloating of the vessel within 15 days. This order follows the ship deliberately grounding in the Douala-Bonabéri port channel after a collision with the 'Sea Honor' on the evening of July 11, leaving approximately 150 containers on board. The shipowner is required to submit a comprehensive report within eight days, prepared by appointed experts, detailing their chosen technical approach and an operational plan. Maritime salvage experts from the Wave Group and SMIT Salvage are already on the ground in Douala to assist with the situation. Additionally, the 'MSM Dolores' is poised to depart from Bata, Equatorial Guinea, ready to aid in the salvage operations. The operational plan must encompass several critical phases including stabilizing the vessel, the removal of containers, the deployment of lifting and towing equipment, refloating techniques, and crucial safety and pollution prevention measures, all within a clearly defined timeline. Authorities have made it clear that no containers can be discharged until stability calculations receive approval, emphasizing the importance of safety amidst the urgency of the situation. Should the shipowner fail to submit the required plan in the allotted timeframe, they will face an eight-day formal notice. Continued noncompliance could lead the administration to initiate salvage operations at the shipowner's cost, in line with existing legislation. Notably, while maritime traffic resumed mere hours after the incident, navigation restrictions remain enforced due to the 'Black Rhino' and its containers still obstructing the channel. Initial assessments from the Port Authority of Douala suggest that a loss of helm control on the 'Black Rhino' might have precipitated the collision; however, this theory awaits confirmation from an ongoing investigation aimed at clarifying the circumstances surrounding the incident and identifying the liabilities of the involved vessels, crews, and other parties associated with the port operations. A recent photograph captured on August 16 displays the grounded vessel with its cargo intact, partially encircled by an oil boom, accompanied by a pilot boat, highlighting the ongoing challenges in resolving this maritime incident. More information and visuals can be found [here](https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/4006829?navList=gallery&category=39&page=1&viewType=normal&sortBy=newest).

In a crucial directive, the Cameroonian government has granted the owner of the 'Black Rhino' a 15-day window to execute plans for refloating the grounded vessel. This maritime incident occurred on the night of July 11 when the 'Black Rhino' collided with the 'Sea Honor' within the Douala-Bonabéri port channel, leaving approximately 150 containers stranded on board. Within the next eight days, the shipowner is required to submit a comprehensive report from appointed marine experts, outlining their chosen technical approach and an operational strategy for the refloating process. Experts from Wave Group, renowned for their maritime salvage expertise, along with SMIT Salvage, have already arrived in Douala to assist with the recovery efforts. Additionally, the 'MSM Dolores', a vessel capable of aiding in the refloating operation, is prepared to depart from Bata, Equatorial Guinea. The operational plan must clearly outline several key components, including the phases of vessel stabilization, container removal, lifting and towing equipment utilization, refloating procedures, safety measures, pollution mitigation strategies, and an estimated timeline for completion. Failure to submit the plan within the specified timeframe will result in an eight-day formal notice being served to the shipowner. Should non-compliance continue, the administration reserves the right to carry out the necessary works at the owner's expense and risk, as per applicable maritime laws. Although maritime traffic resumed shortly after the accident, the presence of the 'Black Rhino' and its cargo has continued to create navigational challenges. Initial assessments by the Port Authority of Douala indicate that a potential loss of helm control aboard the 'Black Rhino' could have led to the collision, a theory that will be thoroughly examined during the ongoing investigation aimed at determining the exact circumstances of the incident and assessing the liabilities of both vessels and their crews.

Early on July 12, 2026, at approximately 3:00 am local time, a significant maritime incident occurred in the navigational channel of Douala-Bonabéri Port when the cargo ship 'Black Rhino' collided with the bulk carrier 'Sea Honor' (IMO: 9153501) near buoy No. 20. The impact resulted in the 'Black Rhino' being struck on its starboard side, leading to uncontrollable flooding. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the crew. In response to the emergency, all 15 crew members aboard the 'Black Rhino' were evacuated as a precautionary measure. The vessel was subsequently grounded intentionally to avoid blocking the main navigational channel of the port, coming to rest with its stern partially submerged. This incident prompted a temporary suspension of navigation at the port while local authorities conducted emergency response and channel clearance operations. Meanwhile, the outbound bulk carrier 'Sea Honor' was escorted safely to a designated anchorage and has since been moored at position 03° 53' N 009° 32' E. Preliminary investigations suggest that the collision may have stemmed from a loss of steering control on the 'Black Rhino,' and a formal inquiry has been launched to ascertain the precise circumstances that led to the incident. For more details, including photos from the scene, visit: https://www.dolphin-maritime.com/casualty-news/sea-honor-black-rhino/ https://x.com/ghanaboynie/status/2076578257017667811 https://maritime-executive.com/article/photos-cameroon-reopens-primary-port-after-bulker-and-cargo-ship-collide.