Remembering grounding of the MT Phoenix, six years on
Social media really is great. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to name just three, enable us to keep in touch with our friends and family across the world in real time, grow our businesses and brands and even keep up-to-date with breaking news.
Social media also acts like a diary of sorts, reminding us of events we've attended, photos we've taken and new friends we've made.
Today was no different.
Who would have believed that the MT Phoenix ran aground off the KZN north coast exactly six years ago?
The tanker, en route to India to be scrapped, ran aground in heavy seas at Sheffield Beach, north of Ballito on the 26 July 2011.
Fifteen Indian crew members had to be airlifted from the stricken ship by helicopter in a joint operation by SAPS, Transnet National Ports Authority and the SA National Defence Force's Fifteen Squadron.
The National Sea Rescue Institute was also on scene monitoring the situation until all crew members were safely removed from the vessel.
Hundreds of people flocked to Sheffield Beach to see the tanker for themselves, with the massive ship creating a somewhat different view from shore.
A massive operation was launched by the South African Maritime Safety Authority to transfer fuel from the bulk tanker. Once the 164m vessel was salvaged from the rocks it was towed south and scuttled off the coast of Amanzimtoti.
The entire operation cost nearly R40-million.
Do you remember the MT Phoenix and were you among the many East Coasters who descended on Sheffield Beach to see the ship and witness the salvage efforts?
What are your memories of the whole ordeal? Send Newswatch a WhatsApp voicenote on 061 700 0800.