On the morning of October 9, the 105 meter long self-propelled barge France (MMSI:205331090) collided with the self-propelled barge Ben Gus (MMSI:205384890) on the Western Scheldt in the Westbuitenhaven off Terneuzen, Netherlands. The France was locked into the Westbuitenhaven bound for Antwerp when it collided with the Ben Gus. The France sustained hull damage with water ingress. No reports of injuries on either vessel.
Reports state tugs assisted both the Ben Gus and France to moorings. Divers were requested and made repairs to the France hull while the Ben Gus cargo was unloaded to another vessel. No reports of pollution released.
On the afternoon of May 30, the 170 meter long container ship Containerships Nord (IMO: 9813993) collided with the 110 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Beringzee (MMSI: 205508590) on the Western Scheldt near Paal, Netherlands. The two vessels had departed from Antwerp when the Containerships Nord struck the stern of the Beringzee. The Beringzee sustained significant hull damage to the starboard section of the stern with the wheelhouse and living quarters suffering water ingress.
One Beringzee crew member fell overboard and sustained serious injuries. The crew member was transferred to a police boat and later airlifted by helicopter to hospital. There were no reports of injuries or damage to the Containerships Nord.
To keep the the damaged Beringzee afloat, the two self propelled barges the 80 meter long Kevalia (MMSI: 226001810) and 110 meter long Verity (MMSI: 205383490) came to the aid and help stabilized the tanker-barge. Authorities have placed oil booms around the Beringzee as some oil pollution could be seen around the vessel. Reports state two tugs took the Beringzee under tow on May 31 and proceeded to Terneuzen. The Containerships Nord proceeded under its own power to Flushing where it was inspected. The incident is being investigated by authorities.
On the afternoon of April 8, 2025, the 82 meter long self-propelled barge Saeftinge (MMSI: 244700744) caught fire on the Western Scheldt while berthed in Terneuzen, Netherlands. The fire started in the vessel’s engine room. The local fire brigade was called and were able to extinguished the fire a short time later. Reports state the Saeftinge remained moored in Terneuzen. No reports of injuries. No details were disclosed to the extent of damage caused by the incident.
