Pilot and Container Ship Collide
The 301 meter long, 78200 dwt container vessel Ever Strong collided with the 25 meter long pilot boat Duhnen on the Elbe Estuary off Cuxhaven, Germany. The Duhnen was attempting to transfer the pilot to the Ever Strong in severe weather with 4 meter waves and wind gusts up to 88 km/hour. The pilot vessel suffered damage to its bow and significant water ingress. The pilot was able to board the Ever Strong while the crew contacted the DGzRS for assistance. The DGzRS dispatched a lifeboat with pumps to the scene. The lifeboat was able to keep the Duhnen afloat and escort it to Cuxhaven where local firefighters had pumps waiting. None of the four crewmen on board the Duhnen were injured. The Ever Strong suffered no damage and continued on to Hamburg. No reports of pollution being released.
