The container ship Seaspan Empire collided with two ferries at the Port of Santos, Brazil, on the evening of February 16. The collision occurred as the ship was maneuvering within the harbor.
Several crew members aboard the ferries jumped into the water at the moment of impact and swam safely to shore. Separate reports indicate that a total of four crewmembers, including a captain and three deckhands, entered the water and were assisted by bystanders and a responding pilot boat. No serious injuries were reported.
Luckily, both ferries were out of service for the evening and only had crew with no cars or passengers aboard.
MV Seaspan Empire is a 67,447 dwt container ship built in 2010 and sailing under the Singapore flag. The vessel measures approximately 294 metres in length and 32.68 metres in beam, with a carrying capacity of about 5,041 TEU. At the time of the incident, the ship was maneuvering toward the DP World terminal in Santos.
The containership reportedly sustained scrapes to its bow but no significant structural damage. The two ferries, which operate in harbor crossings between Santos and Guarujá, were secured and are undergoing inspections.
The Santos Port Authority confirmed that the incident did not affect overall port navigation.
An investigation into the cause of the collision has been launched.
