Reviews & Ratings for the Brufjell

A recent report from the Dutch Safety Board has shed light on the tragic accident involving the MV Damsterdijk, which occurred in the port of Ipswich in October 2019, leading to the unfortunate death of a 57-year-old Indonesian sailor. The investigation highlights poor communication and fatigue as the primary factors contributing to this incident. The accident unfolded while the ship was maneuvering, with the cook and a trainee managing two stern mooring ropes. During the operation, one of the mooring lines became entangled in the ship's propeller, resulting in the unfortunate sailor being struck. Though he was initially conscious, he lost consciousness by the time paramedics arrived approximately 40 minutes later and ultimately succumbed to his injuries later that day in the hospital. The board's findings indicate that multiple elements played a role in this tragic event. Notably, the established mooring and unmooring procedures mandated that the sailor on the aft deck supervise the operation while maintaining communication with the captain. However, the sailor—a different individual from the deceased—was also tasked with operating a mooring line, which hindered his ability to oversee the maneuvers effectively. This prevented him from noticing that the victim was in a hazardous position in the event of a line failure. Additionally, the marked danger areas on the vessel were insufficiently indicated. The deceased sailor was also juggling his own responsibilities with instructing an inexperienced trainee, complicating the situation further. Compounding the risk, he lacked a walkie-talkie, making him uncommunicative and unaware of the events occurring on the quarterdeck. Moreover, the responsible sailor reported a lack of adequate rest hours leading up to the incident, which may have compromised his decision-making abilities during the maneuver. The Dutch Safety Board also pointed out that the deck was not maintained as a "clean working area", with mooring lines freely lying on deck. This resulted in them moving rapidly into the water, further escalating the dangerous conditions. As the maritime community reflects on this tragic incident, it underscores the critical importance of comprehensive training, effective communication, and strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent similar accidents in the future.

In a poignant maritime tragedy, a crew member aboard the 'Damsterdijk' lost his life during a mooring operation in Ipswich on the morning of October 2, 2019. The unfortunate incident occurred as the vessel, which had just docked at Cliff Quay after its journey from Ceuta, became the scene of an accident that resulted in severe leg injuries for the crew member. Despite being rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries later on. This heart-wrenching event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with maritime operations.

On July 2, 2012, at approximately 7 p.m., the cargo vessel 'Damsterdijk' encountered a significant setback as it left the Holtenau Locks, heading westbound through the scenic Kiel Canal. After departing from Klaipeda, the ship faced an unexpected engine failure. In response to the emergency, the well-equipped German tugboats 'Wolf' (IMO: 9036260, 368 gt) and 'Bugsier 11' (IMO: 7700192, 180 gt) were dispatched from Brunsbuettel at around 2 a.m. on July 3. They successfully took the 'Damsterdijk' under tow, guiding the vessel to the communal port of Rendsburg, where it safely docked at 7:30 a.m. The relieved tugs returned to their home stations shortly after the 'Damsterdijk' was securely moored at the quay around 8 a.m. This incident highlights the efficiency and skill of maritime rescue operations in the region. To view images of this event, visit the following links: [Photo 1](http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1594520), [Photo 2](http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1594519), [Photo 3](http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1594518).