Container Ship Averts Accident After Engine Failure at Tampa

A potential disaster was narrowly avoided when a containership suffered an engine failure while entering the port of Tampa, USA, on September 5.

The containership Tyndall was being guided by a Tampa harbor pilot as it prepared to dock. Moving at a speed of 1.5 knots and carrying approximately 100,000 tons of cargo, the vessel was close to reaching the dock in Tampa Bay.

At a distance of 200 feet from the docking area, the harbor pilot gave the order to reverse the engine to slow the vessel down. However, the engine failed to respond, and the ship continued forward, creating a hazardous situation for nearby vessels, the cargo crane, and the docking site.

Reacting quickly, the harbor pilot altered the ship's course and requested assistance from two tugboats, which were able to bring the ship under control. The Tyndall eventually passed the berth without causing damage to other ships or the port's infrastructure.

The incident was reported to the U.S. Coast Guard, and the vessel will be thoroughly inspected before receiving clearance to leave Tampa.