This is the moment a cargo ship drifted free after its mooring cables snapped at a major Brazilian port before emergency tugboats battled to push the vessel to safety.

The incident occurred at the Port of Itajai, one of Latin America's key shipping hubs, located on the Itajai-Acu River, at approximately 6:50 am on Wednesday, August 27.

CCTV footage shows the massive vessel, Vicente Pinzon, drifting away from the quay and into the river as smaller boats move in to assist.

Port authorities said the cables failed due to the strength of the river current.

As a safety measure, workers were evacuated from the immediate area while tugboats were dispatched to stabilise the vessel. The port's pilotage service then took over and guided the ship to a secure position.

No injuries were reported.

Officials emphasised that rapid response protocols are in place to protect personnel, the port community, and maritime traffic during such emergencies.

In December 2024, another ship drifted into the middle of the river after its cables broke at the same port. On that occasion, tugboats and a launch successfully stabilised the boat as it neared the city's ferry crossing.