The 209 meter long, 23882 dwt car carrier Repubblica Argentina went aground on the Western Scheldt River after suffering engine failure. The Repubblica Argentina was later released with the aid of seven tugs and berthed at Flushing. No reports of injuries or pollution being released. The car carrier was headed to Antwerp from Dakar.
The 120,000 gt, 360 meter long boxship MSC Luciana went aground on a sandbank in the Westerschelde after leaving Antwerp, Belgium. Initial attempts to free the boxship failed, but tugs were able to release the vessel with the rising tide. The MSC Luciana proceeded to Zeebrugge for inspection. No reports of injuries or pollution being released. The boxship had 7,000 containers on board at the time of the grounding.
The 4000 dwt tanker Clipper Sund suffered a chemical explosion while moored at a quay at Antwerp, Belgium. The explosion was caused by three chemicals leaked out. They came into contact which caused a chain reaction and resulting explosion and fire. One crewman suffered severe injuries and later died in hospital. The explosion occurred on the deck of the tanker limiting the damage to the vessel. A hazardous materials team is assisting in cleanup.
