Rare Maritime Incident in Saint-Guénolé Port
A highly unusual maritime incident unfolded in the port of Saint-Guénolé when a trawler, during a reversing maneuver, collided with a fishing boat, causing it to sink and damaging a second vessel. The dramatic scene was captured on video, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
Collision During Port Maneuver
The incident occurred as the trawler was maneuvering at low speed within the port. For reasons still under investigation, the vessel unexpectedly went into reverse, striking a fishing boat moored at the quay with considerable force.
The impact caused the struck boat to rapidly take on water and partially sink, while a neighboring boat also sustained material damage.
Rare Scene Filmed from the Quayside
The scene, described as rare by several industry professionals, was filmed by witnesses on site. The footage clearly shows the trawler’s progression, the collision, and the gradual sinking of the affected boat, with the crew unable to intervene in time.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the boats involved were unoccupied at the time of the incident. However, the speed of the event left no room for maneuver to prevent the sinking.
Swift Salvage Operation Launched
Port authorities and specialized teams quickly intervened to secure the area and prevent any risk of pollution. The sunken boat was refloated in the following hours, clearing the waterway and limiting the impact on port activity. A technical investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances of the incident, particularly the reasons for the loss of control during the trawler’s maneuver.
While collisions remain rare within ports, this accident serves as a reminder that maneuvers, even at low speed, carry significant risks, especially in narrow and densely occupied areas with professional vessels.
In Saint-Guénolé, this episode has left a mark due to its spectacular nature, but also because of how quickly a seemingly controlled situation can escalate into a major incident.
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