Grounding in Richards Bay

The swift incoming high tide plus the pulling power of three TNPA tugs prevented a serious situation in the port of Richards Bay on Aug 25, 2017, after the "Beaumont" ran aground. She had left its berth at the Richards Bay Coal Terminal shortly after 3 p.m. after completing her cargo loading, assisted by two tugs. It turned into the main channel and just kept on turning. The tugs had already left her side and were heading back to the Small Craft Harbour. The ship was firmly grounded on the sandbank, and after a 30-minute attempt to pull her off, a third tug assisted and the vessel was pulled free. There were no apparent signs of damage or a pollution threat, and she was towed back to RBCT for inspection by surveyors. The cause of the incident – possibly mechanical failure – has not yet been made known.