On October 4, the 59 meter long 3-masted sailing vessel Artemis (IMO: 5209699) allided on the North Sea at the port of Harlingen, Netherlands. The Artemis was pushed by strong winds into the quay sustaining some damage to its port hull. Machinery was used to keep the sailing ship off the quay until fenders could be deployed. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On the evening of September 16, the 34.5 meter long sailing ship Storebaelt collided with the 70 meter long dredger Prins 3 (MMSI: 244700457) in the Wadden Sea off the coast of Harlingen, Netherlands. The Storebaelt was proceeding on a voyage when it struck head-on with the dredger. The impact damaged the bowsprit of the Storebaelt and the dredger sustained damage to its bow, but neither vessel suffered water ingress. The KNRM was alerted and two rescue boats were dispatched to the scene. The KNRM along with another vessel help tow both the Prins 3 and the Storebaelt back to port.
There were no injuries to the 3 crew on the Prins 3, but there were reports of minor injuries on the Storebaelt. Reports state the sailing vessel had some 25 schoolchildren and 5 adult supervisors on board as passengers during the incident. Many of the children were examined for bumps and bruises as many were visibly shaken from the incident. Afterwards, all the passengers were taken to a nearby hotel.
Reports state that conditions may have been a factor in the incident as there were strong winds and heavy rains limited visibility. The incident is under investigation.
The 105 meter long cargo vessel Pacific Dawn ran aground off Harlingen, Netherlands. The Pacific Dawn had suffered engine failure just as departed from Harlingen and drifted aground just off the breakwater. The crew dropped anchor while two tugs were requested. The tugs were able to pull the cargo vessel free. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The crew was later able to restart the main engine and the Pacific Dawn was escorted to Mongstad.
