Ship Allision with Cargo Carrier in Cape Town Harbor on Ambience: Incident on 5 April 2024

On 5 April 2024, the cruise ship Ambience experienced an allision with the cargo vessel Grey Fox during docking maneuvers at Cape Town Harbor, South Africa. Despite gale-force winds and challenging conditions, the incident resulted in only minor hull damages to both vessels, with no water ingress or pollution reported.

The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) confirmed the incident and initiated an investigation. Ambience was cleared to safely berth at the terminal and continue its scheduled operations, with passengers disembarked as planned.

While attempting to dock at Berth B, Ambience came into contact with Grey Fox, which was already moored at the berth. Two tugboats and a harbor pilot assisted the docking maneuver but were unable to prevent the allision. The contact resulted in minor structural damage to both vessels. No water ingress occurred, and port operations remained unaffected throughout the incident and response.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• No evacuation required; all passengers and crew remained onboard.

The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) was notified immediately and confirmed the incident. Two tugboats and a harbor pilot were engaged in the docking operation at the time of the allision. Port operations continued without disruption, and Ambience was cleared to proceed with passenger disembarkation and scheduled itinerary.

The Transnet National Ports Authority initiated an investigation to understand the circumstances of the allision and identify measures to prevent similar occurrences in future docking operations at Cape Town Harbor.

Ambience successfully berthed at the terminal following the allision and was cleared to continue normal operations. Passengers disembarked as scheduled, and the vessel proceeded with its itinerary. Both vessels sustained only minor damages and remained operational.