‘Ship aground’ report dismissed
Ship agency denies maiden vessel sunk at Richards Bay port.
SAILING her way out of Zululand’s port on Saturday, Maltese Capesize bulker, Leopold, was reported in maritime news media as being the second victim to run aground in Richards Bay after the MV Smart in August.
But Leopold’s agency Panargo Shipping said the announcement was fictitious.
After completing its maiden voyage to the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) on 30 April, the 2014-built vessel was loaded with over 165 000 tonnes of coal before setting off for Israel at 5.10pm on Saturday.
However, before it had even exited the harbour, the coal carrier came to a standstill opposite Naval Island.
Port of Richards Bay Harbour Master Sabelo Mdlalose and maritime news website Captain stated an engine failure occurred, necessitating the aid of two tug boats to return to the port berths.
‘The vessel will re-dock subjected to weather conditions for the underwater inspection before it can be allowed to leave the Port of Richards Bay,’ said Mdlalose on Tuesday.
‘We currently do not have the time and the date as it is subjected to the outcome of the inspection, once the vessel has been re-docked.’
In total contradiction to this statement, Panargo told the Zululand Observer that the vessel did not suffer any engine complications, but had a ‘blackout’ on its way out to sea.
The agency assured the vessel is fully operational after it had been bunkered since the weekend’s incident and was expected to re-embark on its journey to Israel on Tuesday night.
