Video Captures Impact Of Two Ships Colliding In Suez Canal [Video]
Shocking video captures the moment of impact as two container vessels collide in the Suez Canal off Port Said in Egypt. The incident involved the 324-meter ship named the Columbo Express, and the second ship involved was the 332-meter Maersk Tanjong.
Vessel Finder reports that the Maersk ship was “clearing the Suez Canal Container terminal to join the second convoy, and the Colombo Express was proceeding through the convoy.”
The incredible video footage was captured by a passenger on a nearby ferry who just happened to be in the right place at the right time — with a video camera. You can hear the groans and yelling of those witnessing the scene of the impact. Not something you see everyday.
No injuries were sustained, although the Colombo Express did lose three containers and has a 65 foot dent in its side to show for it, as reported by Pixable.
The Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean and the Red Sea prevents ships from having to take a longer route around Africa, making it one of the busiest trade routes in the world. Therefore, this incident caused several hours of delay for many vessels.
Vessel Finder reports that a ship agent with the Inchcape Shipping Services stated that, “The Suez Canal Authority is currently trying to pick up the dropped containers from the eastern channel and both vessels will be moored at the canal lakes until the required investigations, paper work and maintenance have been completed.”
Michael Storgaard, the press officer of Maersk Line follows up with Vessel Finder, as well.
“There is no pollution. Unfortunately, perhaps smoked a couple of containers overboard. Both ships are seaworthy, and as it looks now, the most cosmetic damage.”
Vessel Finder provides details stating that the Colombo Express, which is registered in Germany, was built in 2005 and has a deadweight of 103,800 DWT, while the Maersk Tanjong is registered in Singapore, was built in 2007, and has a deadweight of 107, 266 DWT.
Photo Credit: VesselFinder.com
