Cargo ship moves during salvage effort

The stranded Safmarine Agulhas moved a few metres in a salvage attempt at high tide on Thursday afternoon, said the National Ports Authority (NPA).

“We have had limited success,” said NPA East London spokesperson Terry Taylor.

Two tugs attached to the bow and stern of the 16 800 ton container ship would keep a steady line overnight. This meant there would still be a pull on the Agulhas and it was possible the vessel could move off the sandbank overnight, said Taylor.