No one was injured and the ship had only minor damage. It is the first time in 42 years with more than 8300 ships docked that an incident like this happened.
Repairs started immediately after that and the company hopes that the terminal will be operational again between mid - February and the end of March.
This is the news you read in the news papers and watch on television. What you don't see or hear is 'the link' between the chaplain and the crew. I did visit the ship and it's crew the day after the accident and the days after that. I met with the officers and also with the captain. Meeting stressed-out, worried and exhausted men is an understatement. I had deep sympathy, especially for the captain, who for the first days was questioned endlessly of what had happened. Westshore has filed a lawsuit against the ship's owner alleging that the ship was operated in a ' grossly negligent manner by her owners, master, pilot and crew! ' I can only imagine the difficult days ahead for him, i.e; court cases, disciplinary actions etc. Adding the fact that he was just promoted to captain.
At just the right time the Living Hope Christian Reformed Church in Abbotsford had donated a large amount of Christmas presents. I am sure that these presents, lots of bread and visits to the ship made these days more bearable for captain and crew.
The Cape Apricot is gone and the Port is still recovering from the crash. I will keep you updated about the repairs and other developments
