WHAT online reports referred to as a ship running aground while exiting the Port of Richards Bay on Monday, was called ‘a near miss’ by the Transnet National Ports Authority.
Richards Bay Harbour Master Captain Sabelo Mdlalose explained the 10-year-old coal vessel MV Panamax Sterling was not in fact sinking as speculated, but the master of the vessel did drop anchor for an emergency inspection.
‘Marine pilots and tugs reacted swiftly, ensuring the vessel was pulled back into the middle of the channel and re-docked at berth 306 for further inspection.
‘On completion of the inspection, which included underwater inspection, the vessel was found to have sustained no damages and was cleared to sail by both the class surveyor and the South African Maritime Safety principal officer.
‘The incident is still under investigation and more details will be available once this process has been completed.’
By late yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, Panamax Sterling was traveling 10.2 knots towards its destination – the Krishnapatnam Port in India.
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