Passenger-less liner awaits entry into the Port of Richards Bay
The liner has requested permission to refuel and receive stores
THE global shutdown and closure of borders has put a temporary halt to passenger liners cruising into port, so why can one be seen at the Port of Richards Bay’s outer anchorage?
M/S Le Bougainville, a 430ft (131m) cruise liner that can carry up to 184 passengers, has requested permission to refuel and receive stores.
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There are no passengers onboard, only a crew of 78.
According to Port Manager, Thami Sithole, M/S Le Bougainville arrived at Richards Bay anchorage from the Seychelles on Thursday and is expected to dock at the Port of Richards Bay on Tuesday, following a 14-day period at sea in line with Covid-19 quarantine regulations.
No crew will disembark in Richards Bay.
Launched in 2019 by Ponant, the French-flagged vessel has five guest decks containing 92 cabins and suites equipped with private balconies, and boasts restaurants and a theatre, among others.
M/S Le Bougainville offers unique itineraries to port and island destinations around the world, including the Caribbean, Europe (Baltic and Mediterranean), East Asia, Australia, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean islands (Oceania), Canadian Arctic, Brazil Amazon (Orinoco River), South America and Antarctica.
