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.
The 16.8 meter 33 ton fishing vessel Z.700 Rapke was reported sunk on the Thornton Bank off the Belgian coast. The Z.700 Rapke was off the C-Power wind farm when it capsized for some unknown reason. When the Z.700 Rapke capsized, the weather was good and the seas calm. The 3 crewmen on board were able to scramble on to the safety net. The crew were later rescued and returned to Bruges, Belguim. An investigation into the incident is being conducted.
