NSRI Hermanus, NSRI Agulhas, the SA Air Force 22 Squadron (SAAF)/NSRI Air Sea Rescue team, the Titan/NSRI High-Line helicopter rescue team, Overberg Disaster Management and Metro Ambulance and Rescue Services were placed on high alert by the National Ports Authority late Aug 31 following reports of the 185 metre bulk carrier NENA J at risk of running aground off-shore of Gansbaai. The bulk carrier is reportedly carrying steel pipes from India to Chile. The salvage tug Smit Amandla had attached a tow-line with the vessel 11 nautical miles off-shore but attempts to tow her out to sea failed when the tow-line snapped against 10 metre swells and an on-shore wind.
The vessel, with 16 crew on-board and an additional 3 crew from a salvage team, managed to put out her anchors approximately 5 nautical miles off Quoin Point, near Pearly Beach (Between Gansbaai and Cape Agulhas) and she is currently 3 nautical miles off-shore and a salvage tug remains in attendance. Her anchors are holding and while the NSRI and helicopter rescue teams remain on alert the risk of her running aground appears to have abated with the turn (for the better) in the weather.
Topic: Bulker Nena J in distress off Gansbaai (Read 1268 times)