What Crew Members Say About Eemshorn

In a significant ruling, the Maritime Disciplinary Court has revealed that the helmsman of the 'Eemshorn' likely dozed off just moments before the vessel's collision with the Oosterscheldekering at the end of 2018. The dredger, which had set sail from Yerseke around midnight, was en route to a designated location in the North Sea. It was around 5 a.m. when the ship collided with a structural pillar of the storm surge barrier, specifically at the Roompot locks. At the time of the incident, the helmsman was navigating the vessel alone, which is a breach of maritime regulations that mandate the presence of a second crew member as a lookout during nighttime operations. According to the disciplinary committee's findings, this was not the first violation of this rule by the 'Eemshorn'. Following the accident, corrective measures were implemented, including a standard practice of departing later in the morning to allow crew members ample rest. The captain had reportedly gone to bed around 3 a.m., leaving the helmsman in charge. While the bridge is equipped with a watch alarm designed to alert in case of inactivity, it remains unclear if this alarm was properly activated during the incident. Remarkably, the mate could not recall anything from the moment they passed a buoy until the impact occurred. As a consequence of the ruling, the master's certificate has been suspended for four weeks, with two weeks served conditionally and subject to a probationary period of two years. This incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of adhering to maritime safety regulations to prevent future accidents.

The dredger 'Eemshoorn' sustained substantial damage following an allision with the Eastern Scheldt barrier near Neeltje Jans on November 5 at 5 a.m. As of November 6, the vessel remained docked in the inner port, showcasing severe injuries on its starboard side and a crushed bow. The incident occurred when the dredger was swept by the current en route to the Roompot-lock, resulting in it being forced against the Eastern Scheldt barrier and wedged broadside against a structural pillar. The first responders included the lifeboat 'Fred', which assessed the situation, confirming the vessel's stability at that moment. However, with the tide receding by a meter, concerns about potential capsizing prompted the crew to evacuate three crew members to the KNRM station in Neeltje Jans, while the captain opted to stay on board. Additional complications arose with the vessel's mast becoming entangled in high-voltage cables, leading local law enforcement and Rijkswaterstaat to halt all traffic at the barrier. Fortunately, the mast was freed, and at 7:15 a.m., with the changing tide, the 'Eemshoorn' was successfully maneuvered away from the barrier, assisted by the 'Fred' into safe waters. The dredger safely docked at Neeltje Jans by 7:40 a.m. The KNRM boat 'Koopamansdank' remained ready on the seaward side of the barrier in case of further emergencies. Subsequent assessments revealed that the barrier had endured the impact remarkably well, suffering only minor damage compared to the dredger's condition. The 'Eemshoorn' was scheduled to depart for Terneuzen on November 14, arriving at the Shipyard De Schroef at 2 p.m. Following repairs, the dredger was back in operation by February 4, 2019, heading to Yerseke. For more details and photographic evidence, visit the Dutch coverage at: https://www.pzc.nl/zeeuws-nieuws/de-afdruk-van-het-schip-zit-op-de-kering~a540d7b5/

On the morning of November 5, 2018, a maritime incident occurred involving the dredger "Eemshoorn," which collided with a pillar of the Easter Scheldt barrier located at Neeltje Jans around 5 a.m. The vessel, which was returning from Yerseke after departing the previous night, navigated through the Oosterschelde en route to the dam when the allision took place. As a safety precaution, the Dutch Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) evacuated three crew members from the dredger. The skipper, however, chose to remain aboard. Due to the tidal conditions, the dredger was inadvertently drawn closer to the barrier, necessitating the temporary closure of the N57 road crossing at 7 a.m. After a brief period of intervention, the dredger was freed and redirected to the inner harbor of Neeltje Jans by 7:20 a.m., where it was securely moored at the quay. Unfortunately, the bow of the "Eemshoorn" sustained significant damage during this encounter. Authorities, including Rijkswaterstaat and local police officials, are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this allision. By 7:55 a.m., traffic was permitted to flow past the barrier once again. For additional details, including photographs and videos, visit: - [PZC News](https://www.pzc.nl/zeeuws-nieuws/baggerschip-tegen-oosterscheldekering-gevaren-n57-weer-vrijgegeven-voor-verkeer~a904a7d7/) - [Internetbode](https://www.internetbode.nl/regio/middelburg/algemeen/271466/onderzoek-naar-aanvaring-baggerschip-op-oosterscheldekering) - [KNRM](https://www.knrm.nl/nieuws/knrm-reddingstation-neeltje-jans/schelpenzuiger-botst-met-oosterscheldekering)