The perfect storm in Maputo last night

The perfect storm in Maputo last night

The weather and swell forecasters never had a clue. Forecasts for the Maputo zone were favourable all week. There were signs of some menace as the forecasters jumpbled weather windows around, but nothing really stuck out. Not even on the synoptics. All the elements in place – surprise being the main one, for the perfect storm in Maputo last night.

And we were on our way back from Pomene, 290 Nm north, when we drove straight into it!

Luckily our vessel, the MSC Albatross, was built for this shit, and we were able to ride into Inhaca with salt soaked grace. Right in the middle of the 70 knots recorded in Maputo. The twin 330hp Volvo Pentas and 15 metres of semi displacement purity sailed in just fine, at 25 knots, we were flying along with the east wind.

We survived just fine, we are always ready for this type of phenomenen, but the statistics are not good for some…

Check the gallery, with the bad news following it…

Then we have a video too…

And then the very bad news…a few boats were lost too, including this work boat operating in the channel. One person is presumed missing so far. The boat capsized in the wild seas, spilled it’s crew and washed up on Ave da Marginal across the front of Maputo. Others were rescued but the toll will only be tallied as the day goes on.

More to follow…