This is the tense moment a Brazilian Navy tall ship almost capsizes as it hits a bridge in Ecuador.
The Brazilian Navy vessel dubbed the ‘Cisne Branco’ (‘White Swan’) nearly overturned when it hit a pedestrian bridge near the Ecuadorian port city of Guayaquil on Monday, 18th October.
Although not seen in the video, a tugboat also reportedly capsized as it tried to help the vessel that was built in the Dutch capital, Amsterdam.
Because the Cisne Branco is a full-rigged ship, launched in 1999 and delivered to the Brazilian Navy the following year, its routes need to be carefully planned, as it is too tall to pass under most bridges.
Inspired by the design of the 19th century clippers, it made its maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to Brazil to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the country’s discovery by the Portuguese explorer Pedro Alvares Cabral.
Despite the apparent severity of the incident as seen in the footage, no injuries were reported by the local authorities.
The Brazilian Navy said in a statement that it is investigating the causes of the accident, but speculated that the collision may have taken place due to the strong currents in the Guayas River.
Although the vessel apparently only narrowly avoided capsizing, it sustained a snapped mast in the collision with the bridge that links Guayaquil to Santay Island, a Ramsar Wetland site.
The vessel was trying to pass through an opening at the time, but it collided with the bridge before it could make it to the gap, apparently due to the strong current.
The vessel was subsequently taken to the private Yacht Club in Guayaquil to undergo repairs.
The Ecuadorian Navy revealed in a statement that one of its tugboats, which was assisting the vessel at the time, capsized following the collision.
Though there were crew members on the tugboat at the time, none of them were injured.
According to the authorities, no fuel or other polluting materials were spilled into the river in the incident.
According to the Brazilian Navy, the Cisne Branco’s “mission is to represent Brazil in national and international nautical events, spread maritime culture, and preserve naval traditions”.
