'Giant of the seas': learn about the ship that crashed into two ferries and is as tall as a 16-story building
The container ship Seaspan Empire collided with two ferries in the Port of Santos, Brazil, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The container ship Seaspan Empire was involved in a collision with two ferries, FB-15 and FB-14, at the Port of Santos in São Paulo on the night of Monday, the 16th. The ship, measuring nearly 300 meters in length and 50 meters in height, was carrying 3,000 containers at the time and was leaving the canal heading towards an anchorage area, unable to dock due to lack of space. Just before the impact, four crew members jumped into the water from ferry FB-15, which was towing FB-14, as it was out of operation. Thankfully, none of the individuals involved suffered injuries during the incident.
Witness footage captured by Edna Basílio, who was returning to Santos from a trip to Guarujá, showcased the moment of the impact, highlighting the massive size difference between the ship and the ferries. The images illustrate not only the scale of the Seaspan Empire but also serve as a grim reminder of the risks associated with maritime operations in busy ports. With large vessels like the Seaspan Empire navigating often-congested waterways, this incident raises questions about maritime safety, operational protocols, and the precautionary measures in place to prevent such accidents.
The incident has drawn attention to the challenges faced by the Port of Santos, one of Brazil's busiest ports, emphasizing the need for improved traffic management and coordination between different types of vessels. As investigations into the accident commence, stakeholders in the maritime industry will likely engage in discussions to enhance safety measures and ensure that incidents like this do not recur, especially given the port's significance to the country's economy.