Discover the Dancing-Queen: Ratings & Maritime News

On March 19, 2017, at approximately 5 p.m., the freighter 'Riga', laden with a cargo of ore and en route from Dunkerque to Caen, experienced critical engine failure approximately 27 kilometers off the coast of Fécamp. With the crew unable to restore power, they opted to drop anchor to stabilize the vessel. By 9 p.m., an emergency situation was declared due to worsening weather conditions and high winds. In response, the Maritime Operations Center of the Maritime Préfecture of the Channel and the North Sea (Premar) dispatched the emergency tug 'Abeille Languedoc' to assist the stricken vessel, as the anchor failed to hold the 'Riga' securely in place. Following this, the 'Abeille Languedoc' commenced towing the 'Riga' shortly before 9 p.m., successfully guiding the freighter towards Caen. The vessel safely berthed at Blainville-sur-Orne in Caen-Ouistreham around 5:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the 'Abeille Liberté', stationed in Cherbourg, maintained a vigilant position at the Greenwich buoy to ensure the safety of the maritime area during the operation.