Attempt to refloat stranded container ship

Salvors have attached cables to the Safmarine Agulhas which ran aground off the East London harbour and are trying to pull it free, the National Port Authority (NPA) said on Thursday morning.

“They’re attempting at the moment. All the cables have been secured. They’ve three tugs attached at this stage,” said NPA East London spokesperson Terry Taylor.

They were using the huge salvage tug the Smit Amandla, which arrived on Wednesday afternoon from Cape Town, and the two East London harbour tugs Umthwalume and Impunzi.