What Crew Members Say About Bow-Triumph

In the aftermath of a fierce storm that struck Durban, the tugs of Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) successfully liberated the container vessel "MSC Ines" from the entrance channel, avoiding any reported environmental spills. However, the ship has incurred significant rudder damage, necessitating repairs before it can continue its journey. As of October 15, "MSC Ines" was docked at the City Terminal. The situation was more favorable for the tanker "Bow Triumph," which ran aground in the sheltered area known as Island View after breaking free from its moorings. Despite being blown ashore, the vessel landed on soft sands off Salisbury Island, escaping hull breaches. At the same time, the "MSC Susanna" was brought to the City Terminal and secured at the T-Jetty for an underwater inspection. After breaking loose and colliding with other vessels, the tugs were able to regain control, and "MSC Susanna" resumed cargo operations at berth 108/9 on October 15. Additionally, the "SM New York" completed its cargo handling and set sail for Port Elizabeth on October 14, arriving on October 15 after grounding on a nearby sandbank. The "Bow Triumph" was also in operation at Island View, preparing for its next journey to Fujairah. Other vessels did not escape unscathed. The "Maersk Vallvik" was docked at C berth of the Ro-Ro and MPT Terminal with visible damage, while the French Navy frigate "Floreal" had to postpone its departure due to severe dents on its starboard hull and minor damage to the portside. Following meticulous surveys, all navigable areas of Durban Bay were declared safe by October 13, allowing normal shipping operations to resume just three days after the storm, which was one of the worst to affect the city. The exceptional response of the marine staff at TNPA—comprising pilots, tug captains, and crews—was commended for their professional handling of the unexpected and hazardous weather conditions. The storm hit in mid-morning with astonishing intensity, reducing visibility dramatically. Wind gusts reached 91 knots, and rainfall between 100 and 200 mm was recorded in less than two hours, primarily affecting the southern regions of the city, including the port. The quayside also sustained damage, with the Transnet School of Excellence near Durban Container Terminal experiencing significant flooding. Notably, cargo handling equipment at TPT's Pier 1 and Pier 2 terminals was damaged, along with vital infrastructure across the Bulk, Break-bulk, and Car Durban Terminals. In total, eight Ship-to-Shore cranes and three rubber tyre gantries (RTGs) were reported compromised, with several containers washed into the bay.

On October 10, 2017, at approximately 9 a.m., a powerful storm swept through Durban, unleashing gale-force winds ranging from 70 to 90 km/h. This fierce weather forced the container ship 'SM New York' to run aground shortly after departing the port. Rescue operations were launched involving the tug 'Smit Siyanda' (IMO: 9479709) and other nearby vessels. The situation escalated when the 'MSC Ines' also ran aground, positioning herself perpendicularly across the access channel, effectively blocking the port's crucial entry. A concerted effort by tugs 'Lotheni' (MMSI: 601135800), 'Siyakhula' (IMO: 9501409), and 'Umbilo' (MMSI: 601124000) managed to pull the 'MSC Ines' to the Coal Terminal by 5 p.m. Meanwhile, another container ship, 'MSC Susanna,' was safely towed back to the Ro-Ro and MPT Terminal at 1:15 p.m. after being blown off course by ferocious gusts. Additionally, the bulk carrier 'Maritime Newanda' (IMO: 9302798) broke free from her moorings at Maydon Wharf, prompting immediate coordination with the Port Authority as pilots and tugs raced to secure the vessel alongside the quay. As the storm intensified, all vessel movements in the Port of Durban were suspended due to unsafe conditions. The extreme weather also wreaked havoc at the Port of Richards Bay, where Transnet’s marine services team and tugs engaged in emergency operations. Tragically, a man lost his life when a 40-foot container toppled and crushed his vehicle near the port. Another occupant, a approximately 30-year-old man, suffered moderate injuries but remained stable, requiring hospitalization for further evaluations. Sadly, a second occupant in his forties succumbed to severe injuries at the scene. The storm continued to pose threats as heavy containers were dislodged in various locations. In the small craft harbour and the Point Yacht Club (PYC), numerous yachts and boats broke free from their moorings. The NSRI Durban rescue team promptly responded to assist in corralling the drifting boats. For further details and updates, refer to the reports with photos and video from these sources: [702.co.za](http://www.702.co.za/articles/275774/watch-cargo-ship-runs-aground-amid-durbanstorm), [News24](http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/live-massive-storm-hits-durban-causes-flooding-chaos-20171010), [Times Live](https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2017-10-10-wind-blows-ship-across-harbour-mouth-in-durban/), and [Talk of the Town](https://www.talkofthetown.co.za/2017/10/10/wind-blows-ship-across-harbour-mouth-durban/).