By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The UK’s Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience ship. Photo: X/@Alanarossarri62.
Ambassador Cruise Line confirmed that its vessel Ambience was involved in a berthing incident while arriving in Cape Town for a scheduled visit.
Fullview understands the accident happened on Friday morning as the 1 400-passenger vessel attempted to berth for a scheduled visit after departing from Durban.
There were no reports of any injuries when the two vessels collided.
According to News24, Ambassador Cruise Line said strong winds and large waves may have played a part in the incident.
“Despite the assistance of two tugs and a pilot, Ambience was unable to maintain position in strong, gusting winds and made contact with the container ship, which was already alongside. Both ships report only minor damage, and there is no water ingress or pollution.”
The Ambience is reportedly now safely docked at the cruise passenger terminal in the mother city, has been cleared, and is expected to depart the Cape Town harbour at 11 pm.
Last month, a major bridge in the US city of Baltimore collapsed after being struck by a container ship, sending multiple vehicles and people plunging into the frigid harbour.
Dramatic footage showed a 300-meter vessel hitting the Francis Scott Key Bridge, bringing the steel-built structure crashing into the Patapsco River.