Water damage has occurred on board HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën. The Dutch air defence and command frigate was at the jetty in Den Helder while the crew was on summer leave.

The water damage came to light on 8 August. An automatic report came in to the Central Coast Guard in Den Helder that parts of the ship had become powerless. When a check was carried out on board, it was found that water had flowed from the fire extinguishing system. As a result, equipment had been switched off.

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Cause and consequences

The cause is not yet clear. The Royal Netherlands Navy and Royal Marechaussee are investigating.

It is not yet known how long it will take to repair the damage and what the consequences for the sailing programme will be. The navy is currently looking into this.

Picture: HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën (by the Ministry of Defence).

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