Cold front number 14 caused northerly effects that included strong winds in the Gulf of Mexico, which caused the cargo ship BBC Iceland St John’s, flagged to Antigua and Barbuda, anchored in the port of Veracruz, to break free from its moorings and crash into the jetty of the maritime terminal.
The ship hit the tourist boat Iguala, which offers tours between the Veracruz jetty and the historic San Juan de Ulúa fort, and damaged at least five interceptor water patrol boats that were docked at the pier.
The incident occurred yesterday around 9 a.m. The alarm signal in the port area was activated, and tugboats arrived on site to assist the cargo ship.
Four of these boats were needed to bring the BBC Iceland St John’s back to its docking position in the port area, fighting against the swell and the wind.
Navigation was closed in the port due to the effects of cold front 14. According to the Veracruz Port Administration (Asipona), the most powerful gust recorded yesterday in the region was 110.8 kilometers per hour, and according to forecasts, the north wind that hit the state’s coast will generate gusts of up to 120 kilometers per hour today.
Likewise, the Veracruz National Port System Administration said that the accident left no people injured. The area where the accident occurred is known for being one of the main tourist attractions of the city, and represents a meeting point for locals and visitors.
The strong gusts generated by the meteor left other damages in the state. The city council indicated that it attended reports of more than 50 fallen trees, damaged cars and knocked down advertisements, in addition to the fact that the public lighting was affected.
In Coatzacoalcos, a statue located on the seafront of this port city in the south of the state of Veracruz fell, as did several urban structures.
Source: jornada
