In a statement released by United Heavy Lift, the company stresses that its cargo vessel UHL Freedom did not suffer any engine failure or machinery damage. The injuries sustained by crew members were caused by severe rolling of the ship as a result of heavy weather.
The UHL Freedom encountered heavy weather on 25 October 2026 while about 29 kilometres north of the Wadden Island Schiermonnikoog in the North Sea. As the wind had shifted, the vessel intended to weigh anchor and proceed slowly under its own power, heading into the seas.
Also read: Dutch Coastguard responds to vessel with engine problems
Severe rolling
While weighing anchor, the vessel swung beam-on to the seas. The vessel experienced severe rolling motions and consequently high acceleration forces, explains the shipping company.
During these movements, the master and second officer lost their footing. The chief officer issued a Mayday call requesting medical assistance and two crew members were evacuated by helicopter by the Netherlands Coastguard. The master sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment and is in stable condition. The second officer is already released from hospital.
No engine failure
United Heavy Lift further states: ‘The crew managed to bring the vessel’s bow back into the seas and completed the anchor-weighing operation. Since then, the vessel has been controlled, proceeding slowly under its own power, maintaining its bow into the seas. The vessel has altered course and is proceeding to its destination port in Emden now.’
The company further stresses that contrary to reports by the Netherlands Coastguard, at no time did the vessel experience any engine failure or machinery damage, nor was any pollution or cargo damage reported.
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