On Saturday night, 4 October, tanker Eva Schulte became adrift after experiencing main engine problems. The crew reported the incident to the Netherlands Coast Guard Centre in Den Helder at around 7:30 pm. At that time, the vessel was located 37 kilometres west of IJmuiden and drifting towards the Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm.
The Multraship Protector, an emergency towing vessel operated by the Netherlands Coast Guard, was already stationed near the Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm as a precaution and was therefore able to reach the scene quickly. A lifeboat from the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) also set out towards the tanker, while two Coast Guard helicopters were on standby for a possible evacuation.
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Unable to anchor
At the time of the engine failure, the 145-metre tanker, which is carrying a cargo of fuel oil – was about one kilometre from the Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm. It was drifting towards the wind farm with a crew of 21 on board.
The tanker was unable to anchor. The Multraship Protector then attempted to establish a towline with the vessel, which proved difficult due to the weather conditions — winds of force 8 and waves up to five metres high.
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Towline established
At around 11:15 p.m., the Multraship Protector, assisted by the KNRM lifeboat Kitty Roosmale Nepveu, succeeded in connecting a towline to the disabled tanker. The vessel was then towed to a safe position and held there.
Once stable and in a secure location, the crew of the tanker managed to repair the main engine. The towline remained in place throughout Sunday as the rough weather made it unsafe to disconnect earlier. Later that day, the connection was released and the tanker was able to continue its voyage under its own power.
Picture: The Dutch Coast Guard’s emergency tug Multraship Protector makes an important contribution to safety at sea. The ship is stationed 24/7 near the Hollandse Kust wind farms to monitor shipping safety (photo by Netherlands Coast Guard).
