**Title: Cyprus Ship Collision Shuts Cameroon’s Biggest Port — Now Reopened**
**Date: July 15, 2026**
The Port of Douala, Cameroon’s largest and most vital maritime hub, has reopened following a significant disruption caused by a collision between two cargo ships over the weekend. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, involved the Cyprus-flagged MV Black Rhino and the Tuvalu-flagged MV Sea Honor.
According to Cameroon’s Transport Minister, Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bibehe, the collision took place near buoy No. 20 in the Douala-Bonaberi channel. The MV Sea Honor was departing the port while the MV Black Rhino was arriving. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported, but both vessels sustained considerable damage.
The collision resulted in the closure of the navigation channel, which is critical for maritime trade in Central Africa. Douala-Bonaberi is not only a key port for Cameroon but also serves as an essential gateway for goods entering and leaving landlocked countries such as Chad and the Central African Republic. The duration of the channel's closure has not been disclosed, but it was significant enough to impact shipping operations.
In the aftermath of the collision, the Port Authority of Douala has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that a steering failure aboard the MV Black Rhino may have been a contributing factor.
Minister Ngalle Bibehe provided details on the response efforts, stating that the MV Sea Honor was successfully cleared from the channel and towed to an anchorage area. To facilitate navigation and clearance operations, the MV Black Rhino was deliberately run aground along a line of red buoys. All 15 crew members aboard the Black Rhino were safely evacuated and received assistance in accordance with standard maritime rescue protocols.
As of Tuesday, the channel has been declared fully clear, and shipping traffic through the Port of Douala has returned to normal operations. The reopening of the port is a relief for many stakeholders who rely on the facility for the import and export of goods.
The incident highlights the importance of safety measures and maritime regulations in preventing such accidents in the future. The ongoing investigation will likely provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding the collision and any necessary steps to enhance safety in the busy shipping lane.
The Port of Douala plays a crucial role in the economy of Cameroon and the surrounding region, making the swift resolution of this incident vital for maintaining trade and commerce.
For further updates on this story and other news, stay tuned to local news outlets.