South Africa's chief harbour master, Rufus Lekala, refused to let the stricken tanker Phoenix berth in Durban just hours before it washed up on a tourist beach.
A clean-up operation after the ship ran aground nearly two weeks ago has already cost taxpayers up to R10-million. The cost could rise to R200-million if the vessel, which is not insured, has to be cut into pieces for salvage.
The 15 000t tanker is leaking diesel onto nearby beaches.
The India-bound ship was first rescued a month ago, drifting off the Eastern Cape after her main engine failed. A rescue tug was despatched by the SA Maritime Safety Authority to tow it to Durban.
Attempts by the authority's regional manager, Nigel Campbell, to berth Phoenix in the port proved fruitless. Despite severe weather warnings, the ship was left anchored in the bay, dragged her anchor in strong winds and washed up on Sheffield Beach.
Campbell said he had warned port authorities, including Lekala, that the Phoenix was uninsured and posed a threat if left in the bay.
Sources claim Durban harbour was not full at the time.
If the ship had been allowed into port, it could have been auctioned and towed safely out of South African waters, Campbell said.
"One sometimes wonders why we aren't all on the same side," Campbell said.
Lekala refused to comment and referred all questions to the maritime safety authority.
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