Agulhas disintegrates in rough seas

LEONARD NEILL
SAFMARINE AGULHAS, which ran aground at the breakwater mouth to East London harbour on June 26, is breaking up. Attempts to re-float the cargo carrier after the engines failed as she was leaving the port, were unsuccessful. Now the chosen salvage operator, whose tender will be accepted in early October, will have to move fast to get the best of the ship’s remains, says National Ports Authoritycommunications chief in East London, Terry Taylor. “The heavy weather and strong seas which have hit this coast in recent weeks are taking their toll on the vessel,” he says.