What Crew Members Say About Eeborg

The Maritime Disciplinary Court has issued a significant ruling regarding a near-miss incident involving the 'Eeborg' and the bulk carrier 'Flag Mette', which occurred on October 6, 2020, in Danish waters. The court emphasized that personal discomfort should never jeopardize maritime safety. During the incident, the second mate, responsible for the watch, abandoned his post to attend to a sudden medical issue, leaving the bridge unattended and the lookout inadequately prepared. The lookout, lacking proper instruction and not understanding English, was unable to manage the situation. While the ship operated on autopilot, the second mate was absent for at least ten minutes due to diarrhea. Upon returning, he discovered he had missed a vital VTS communication regarding the approaching 'Flag Mette.' Reacting swiftly, he manually steered the vessel to starboard to avert a collision. The Disciplinary Court criticized the second mate's lack of foresight, noting it was perplexing that he failed to spot the 'Flag Mette' before leaving the bridge. Further investigations by Danish authorities revealed that the ship had strayed off course during his absence. The Court took the helmsman’s actions very seriously, stating, "In any case, it was a busy and winding waterway. It was therefore irresponsible to go to the toilet at that time. It is equally incomprehensible that the individual did not arrange for a replacement when he realized he could not maintain his watch longer. While urgent needs can arise, personal discomfort must not compromise safety at sea." As a result of these findings, the second mate's navigation license has been suspended for six weeks, with half of that period being a conditional suspension. The Board has strongly advised that bridge officers should ensure their duties are covered before leaving their post, particularly in high-traffic areas, and should seek immediate replacements if health concerns hinder their ability to perform their roles.

On March 30, 2020, at 4:50 p.m., the cargo vessel 'Eeborg', sailing from Auda to Montreal, experienced a setback 37 miles west northwest of Ile Brion, Quebec. The ship, situated at coordinates 47°56'33.3" N, 060°32'08.8" W, was rendered incapacitated due to a malfunction in a crucial cooling water valve for its main engine. Fortunately, the dedicated crew swiftly addressed the issue, and after making necessary repairs, the 'Eeborg' successfully resumed its journey along the St. Lawrence River. The vessel is now expected to arrive at its Montreal destination by April 2.