The Kenya Ports Authority on Tuesday, October 10, announced a breakthrough in rescuing a cargo ship that stalled meters before docking at the Port of Mombasa.
In a statement, KPA explained that the ship was enroute to the Kilindini Harbour from the St Louis Port in Mauritius when it lost its engine posing a risk of a marine ecological disaster.
In addition, the ship was carrying 426 containers full of goods destined for the port of Mombasa and other ports in the region which is an equivalent of 9709 metric tons.
As per the statement, the stalling caused anxiety around the port with authorities fearing for the worst and a possible disruption of traffic along the channel.
However, KPA dispatched three tugboats namely Mwokozi II, Harbour tugs Pate and Nyangumi- with pulling capacities of 120 tons, 75 toons and 58 tons respectively.
Tugboats tows ship to safety
After hours of toiling, the three boats managed to tow the 143-metres vessel to the harbor with its containers onboard.
“The three tugboats safely towed the ship laden with 426 TEUs equivalent to 9709 metric tons into the Port bringing to an end anxious moments following the grounding at 1135 hours on Monday,” KPA noted.
Also Read: KPA Sets Record Straight on Mombasa Port Takeover
The rescue mission also involved Southern Engineering Company (SECO) whose tug Alpha Falcao stood by the casualty overnight in case the crew required evacuation.
This, KPA explained, helped to avert congestion in the crucial channel that serves as a major gateway for goods destined for Kenya and the larger Eastern Africa region.
Moreover, the ship eventually docked at the Port of Mombasa and was expected to spend time before embarking on a journey to its next destination.
Meanwhile, investigations led by KPA and Kenya Maritime Authority were underway to establish the cause of the mechanical hitch.
When 400-meters vessel blocked Suez Canal Channel
The incident took place two years after a giant ship blocked the Suez Canal Chanell in the Red Sea in 2021.
Also Read: Suez Canal Says Traffic Normal after Stuck Ship Refloated
Likewise, the ship, 400 meters in length, was dissuaded by strong winds blocking the crucial waterway that serves ships destined for Asia and Eastern Africa countries.
Consequently, the mishap left dozens of ships stranded and led to far-reaching economic consequences.
Eventually, Egyptian authorities in collaboration with other agencies managed to tug the giant ship to open the crucial channel again.
