Grande-Senegal

Strong winds broke the mooring lines of the "Grande Senegal" at the Gibdocks in port of Gibraltar in the evening of Feb 20, 2017, around 6 p.m. All vessels in the area had been alerted that high winds and gusts were expected, and the Eastern and Western anchorage were evacutated and the ships sent to sea. The "Grande Senegal" had repairs works done and her engine thus was not in action. The bow of the container carrier started swinging south and drifted in the harbour, causing concern to Port officials. The emergency procedures were enacted and a tug of the Resolve Marine Group, which was already in the vicinity, deployed along with the pilot launch. They brought the vessel back to the dockside where it was tied up again. The situation was remedied about an hour after the lines broke, with no visible damage to the vessel. The tugs assisted to keep her moorings secure at the South Mole. Also a barge at Coaling Island started to swing with the tide, and a tug managed to hold it off the berth. In total four tugs and the pilot boat were out to deal with the situation. Reports with photos: http://www.gbc.gi/news/strong-winds-break-mooring-lines-container-carrier-gibraltar-harbour-34499 https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidparody/32922391351/