BLACK RHINO
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Die letzten Häfen
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Owner did not obey order of refloating ship within 15 days
Cameroon’s Transport Minister Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bibehe has issued a strict ultimatum that the shipowner of the 'Black Rhino' has 15 days to refloat the vessel, which has been run deliberately aground after the collision with the 'Sea Honor' on the night of July 11 in the Douala-Bonabéri port channel with approximately 150 containers on board. Within eight days, the owner must submit the final report from the appointed experts, specifying the chosen technical option and a detailed operational plan. Experts from Wave Group, specialised in maritime salvage, and SMIT Salvage, have already arrived in Douala. The 'MSM Dolores', which could participate in the operations, was ready to depart from Bata, Equatorial Guinea. The plan must detail the various phases of the intervention such as stabilisation of the vessel, removal of the containers, lifting and towing equipment, refloating procedures, safety measures, pollution prevention measures, and a projected timeline. The aAuthorities have prohibited any container discharge until the stability calculations have been validated, underscoring the delicate balance between urgency and safety. If the plan is not submitted within the specified timeframe, the shipowner will be issued an eight-day formal notice. If the failure to comply persists, the administration may proceed with the work itself, at the shipowner's expense, risk, and peril, in accordance with applicable legislation. While the maritime traffic resumed a few hours after the accident, the presence of the 'Black Rhino' and its containers in the channel continued to impose navigation restrictions. According to initial findings from the Port Authority of Douala, a loss of control of the helm on board the 'Black Rhino' may have caused the collision. This hypothesis remained to be confirmed by the investigation launched after the accident in order to establish the exact circumstances of the incident and determine the potential liability of the two vessels, their crews, and other parties involved in the port's entry and exit maneuvers. A photo taken on Aug 16 shows the sunken vessel with the cargo still on board, partially surrounded by an oil boom, and a pilot boat nearby: https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/4006829?navList=gallery&category=39&page=1&viewType=normal&sortBy=newest
Collision in Cameroon
The 'Black Rhino' was in collision with the bulk carrier 'Sea Honor' (IMO: 9153501)in the navigational channel of the Douala-Bonabéri Port on July 12, 2026, at approximately 3:00 am local time near buoy No. 20. The bulk carrier penetratred the cargo ship at the starboard side, and it suffered an uncontrollable flooding. No injuries were reported. As a precautionary measure, the 15 crew members of the 'Black Rhino' were evacuated, and the vessel then intentionally grounded to prevent it from blocking the port's main navigational channel. It was resting aground with its partially submerged stern. The collision led to a temporary suspension of navigation through the port, while the local authorities carried out emergency response and channel clearance operations. The outbound 'Sea Honor' was escorted to a designated anchorage following the incident and moored in pos. 03° 53' N 009° 32' E. The initial findings indicates that the collision was likely caused by a loss of steering control aboard the 'Black Rhino'. A formal investigation was underway to determine the exact cause of the collision. Reports with photos: https://www.dolphin-maritime.com/casualty-news/sea-honor-black-rhino/ https://x.com/ghanaboynie/status/2076578257017667811 https://maritime-executive.com/article/photos-cameroon-reopens-primary-port-after-bulker-and-cargo-ship-collide
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