Casualty News

SEA HONOR / BLACK RHINO

Date
July 12, 2026

Type
Collision at Douala-Bonabéri Port, Cameroon

Reports have been received that the outbound bulk carrier “SEA HONOR” collided with the inbound general cargo vessel with container capacity “BLACK RHINO” in the navigational channel of Douala-Bonabéri Port, Cameroon, during the early hours of 12 July 2026.

It is understood that the collision occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. near buoy No. 20. Both vessels reportedly sustained significant physical damage. No injuries or loss of life have been reported.

Following the collision, the crew of the “BLACK RHINO” were evacuated as a precaution. The vessel was subsequently intentionally grounded to prevent it from obstructing the navigational channel. The “SEA HONOR” was escorted to an anchorage area.

The collision temporarily disrupted navigation through the port. The Port Authority of Douala later confirmed that the channel had been cleared and reopened to maritime traffic on 12 July 2026.

Preliminary reports indicate that a possible loss of steering control on board the “BLACK RHINO” may have contributed to the collision. However, the cause remains subject to a full technical investigation.

The “BLACK RHINO” had recently been trading between ports in West and Central Africa, including Bata, Douala, São Tomé, Malabo and Cap Lopez. The vessel had called at Bata before returning to Douala.

The “SEA HONOR” was outbound from Douala when the collision occurred.

As well as cargo damage, claims may arise for salvage services, general average, collision damage, transshipment, storage, forwarding expenses, loss of or damage to containers, and delay-related expenses. Cargo interests should preserve all relevant evidence and notify carriers and other potentially responsible parties without delay.

Dolphin Maritime has many years of experience dealing with claims arising from vessel collisions, groundings and other serious marine casualties.

If you are the insurers of cargo on board either vessel and require assistance with any claims arising, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We can assist with:

• Arranging cargo damage surveys
• Investigating the cause of the incident
• Recovery of losses on NO CURE NO PAY terms
• Provision of Salvage Guarantees
• Representing cargo insurers in relation to LOF Salvage Claims
• Provision of General Average Guarantees
• Defence of General Average claim on NO CURE NO PAY terms

Photography courtesy of At the Heart of Logistics – Magazine