SAVANNAH, Ga. – Two container vessels allided Sunday evening at the Garden City Terminal in Savannah, Ga.
The vessel CSCL Ningbo was moored at container berth eight when it broke free of its mooring and drifted downriver, alliding with the moored vessel Vecchio Bridge, causing it to partially break free from several of its mooring lines. Both vessels were quickly secured to the dock and only minor damage was sustained to both vessels. There were no injuries or impacts to the Savannah River or surrounding environment.
The Coast Guard immediately responded sending investigators and a pollution response team to assess the damage. Coast Guard officials found the Vecchio Bridge had sustained damage to the right side near the stern where a small crack measuring approximately one half inch wide by nine inches long was discovered. The crack was well above the waterline, no flooding occurred and temporary repairs were made. Additional dents and small cracks were found on the stern and were also temporarily repaired. The CSCL Ningbo sustained only minor dents and scrapes. Both vessels have been inspected by the Coast Guard as well as their Classification Society and found to be seaworthy.
An allision is a term of reference that is used when a moving object strikes a stationary object. This is in contrast to a collision where both objects are in motion when a strike occurs. A Classification Society is a private organization that provides inspection and other services to vessels.
The Coast Guard is actively investigating the incident and a cause has not been determined at this time.
