The 110 meter long self-propelled container barge Alsvin ran aground under the Vlake Bridge in Hansweert, Netherlands. The Alsvin was loaded with 111 containers when it veered off course and stranded under the bridge. A few hours later the vessel was refloated with the aid of the rising tide and three tugs. No damage to the bridge and vessel. The master of the vessel was injured in the incident and taken to hospital. Reports state alcohol may have been factor.
The 37 meter long fishing vessel Den Hoope – O 231 ran aground off Stellendam, Netherlands. The Den Hoope had departed from Le Havre when it stranded in shallow water. The KNRM lifeboat was called to assist. The lifeboat was able to pull the Den Hoope into deeper water. The Den Hoope was proceeded into the port of Stellendam. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On February 6, the 75 meter long barge Rick capsized on the Wester Scheldt near Breskens, Netherlands. The Rick was busy being loaded with a cargo of gravel. The Rick was moored alongside the 85 meter long dredger Interballast 1 when the Rick suddenly rolled over. Several KNRM lifeboats, pilot boats along with vessel from Belgian Navy responded to the scene. One crewman working on the deck was thrown into the river, but was quickly recovered. The other two crewmen on board the Rick were trapped below. The two men had been asleep when the vessel capsized. Divers knocked on the hull to see if there was any response from the men, but did not get an answer. The search was suspended and the focus was keeping the vessel from drifting away. A tug pushed the overturned barge onto a sandbar to stabilize the wreck. A few hours later, a second crewman was rescued. He had survived in an air pocket, but had suffered from hypothermia. The third crewman was still reported as missing. Reports state the Rick was to be dewatered and taken to Terneuzen.
