A gantry crane has collapsed at the Port of Valencia after being struck by the MSC Mia, one of the largest container ships in the world.
According to widespread reports the vessel touched the crane and became entangled with a cable as it manoeuvred in the Port 0900 on the morning of 13 September. The crane operator is believed to have been injured with a cut to the head and a cracked rib but is in a stable condition.
The operator is understood to have sounded the alarm as the vessel approached and taken to hospital after being rescued by the fire department.
This video posted on Twitter posted on social media shows the extent of the damage and the witness who record it said the quick raising of the alarm potentially saved several lives.
Another video from filmed at Port of Algeciras, another of Spain’s major trade gateways, shows port workers expressing solidarity with the Valencia crane operator.
The crane fell backwards following the collision and reports suggest the cables by the quay of the terminal have been damaged, but the full extent is yet to be ascertained. The MSC Terminal at the Port of Valencia has been contacted for comment.
The affected gantry cranes at the MSC Terminal in the Port of Valencia – six of which are classified as MalaccaMax with a reach of 50m and two SuperPostPanamax with a reach of 66m.
The 23,000 TEU vessel was held at anchorage outside the Port but at the time of writing has resumed its voyage and is on its way to the Italian Port of Gioia Tauro, where it is expected to arrive on September 15 at 1400.
All images: Twitter/@mundoestiba
