Clean-up operations underway at Durban port

Clean-up operations underway at Durban port

Transnet National Port Authorities says all three vessels that were grounded in the Port of Durban during yesterday's severe storm have been refloated and remoored. 

Salvage operations at Durban Port
Supplied


One of the vessels, a 330-metre container ship, had been stranded in the entrance to the port. It took five tugs to refloat the MSC Innes. 

All three vessels will be inspected for any potential damages. Transnet's Moshe Motlohi says it will take a while before the Port is fully operational. 

"There is still a lot of work to be done just to prepare the terminals in the port to get ready to operate. That relates to physical inspection of the buildings and infrastructure," he says.  


Meanwhile, salvage operations in the harbour continue this morning. 

At least three containers were lost into the water during the strong winds. Their exact location was unknown last night. 

READ: No heavy rain expected on Wednesday: SA Weather Service

This led to the harbour being closed as the containers posed a danger to navigation. 

The South African Maritime Safety Authority says a straddle carrier was blown into the water while some cranes were also derailed. SAMSA says a floating dock and tug remained grounded as of this morning.

ALSO WATCH: Timelapse of storm approaching north of Durban


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