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Tag: Wadden Sea

Storebaelt

Storebaelt

Storebaelt
Photo: schuttevaer.nl

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.

Koegelwieck

Koegelwieck

The 36 meter long, 70 dwt catamaran passenger ferry Koegelwieck ran aground in the Wadden Sea near Terschelling, Netherlands. The ferry was en route to Harlingen with 82 passengers and 5 crew when it veered out of the fairway.  Three tugs were dispatched along with a KNRM lifeboat from West-Terschelling to the scene. The tugs were able to free the Koegelwieck which proceeded under its own power to Harlingen.  There the ferry was inspected for damage.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

Vigilant

Vigilant

Vigilant
Photo: waldnet.nl

On January 31, the 13 meter long water taxi Vigilant collided with the dredger Nova Venture on the Wadden Sea near Nes, Ameland Island, Netherlands. The Vigilant was proceeding to Ameland from Holwerd with 11 passengers. The two vessels were approaching each other from opposite directions. Just before the two vessels would strike head-on, the master of the Vigilant attempted to veer away. The water taxi’s bow struck hard into the dredger causing severe damage to the hull.

Vigilant
Photo: dvhn.nl

Several passengers on the Vigilant were slightly injured,  but two passengers had significant injuries and had to be later taken to hospital in Leeuwarden for treatment. Both passengers recovered and were later released.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. No details reported if any injuries or damage to the Nova Venture from the collision.