A storm has left several cargo ships in trouble in the North Sea, reports the Netherlands Coastguard. The 82-metre vessel Valday is currently adrift, with tugs on site and underway to try and help the vessel.
Other problems reported include ships’ engines failing or ships not being able to stay at their anchorage. The Coast Guard is in contact with these ships.
The Valday is 22 kilometres off the coast of Rotterdam. The crew consists of seven people. The ship has no cargo. On the North Sea, there is a wind force of 8-9 Bft and waves of 4 metres high.
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Salvage attempts
The Netherlands Coastguard’s emergency tug Multraship Commander has made several attempts to attach a tow line to the vessel. These were unfortunately unsuccessful. An additional tug is en route towards the distressed vessel, while the shipping company has called in a salvage company to bring the ship to safety. It will take at least another hour before the first towing assistance arrives at the scene.
Lifeboat Koos van Messel of the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) has been nearby as a safety vessel, but has now been relieved by the lifeboat Antoinette from KNRM station Stellendam. The Koos van Messel is sailing back to Hoek van Holland.
Picture by the Netherlands Coastguard.
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