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Tug inspected after workboat incident

On Nov 17, 2017, the workboat "Uqoyi" capsized while the two harbour tugs "Uthukela" and "Lotheni" were taking the "Gan Trust" to a berth at Island View 6 in Durban. The chemical and oil products tanker was under pilotage at the time. The mooring lines, presumably secured to the "Uqoyi", became tangled around the tug’s propellers which resulted in the workboat capsizing, throwing a number of the personnel on board into the water. Those on board were all employees of the TNPA. They were rescued and three were later taken to hospital for assessment but were discharged the same afternoon. Shipping delays could be anticipated while the tug "Lotheni" undwerwent a full assessment. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has been informed of the matter.