The Kolmanskop was swept northwards and got stranded in the rocky terrain at Vierkantklip, only about 50 metres from dry land. The strong south-westerly wind experienced at the coast over the last few weeks caused Novanam Fishing Company’s vessel Kolmanskop to break from its moorings at the Walvis Bay harbour on Tuesday night, despite the vessel being anchored and chained to concrete blocks. At that stage there was no crew on board.

There was, however, no sign of leaking fuel.