Collision on Western Scheldt
The 225 meter long, 68789 dwt bulk carrier Usolie collided with the 188 meter long, 40600 dwt tanker Seatrout on the Western Scheldt near Bath, Netherlands. Both vessels were headed downstream from Antwerp in ballast with the Seatrout headed for Ust-Luga while the Usolie was bound for Klaipeda. The Seatrout had not maintained enough distance where the channel narrowed and was struck at the stern by the Usolie. The Usolie sustained only minor damage and was allowed to continue on its voyage. The Seatrout was nudged out of the fairway and went aground on a mud bank. The vessel requested assistance with 4 tugs responding. The tugs waited until high tide before pulling the Seatrout free. Traffic was halted for vessels over 200 meters long and fishing was prohibited during the incident.
The Seatrout was towed to Vlissingen for inspection for damage. No reports of injuries on either vessel.
