Ever-Strong Vessel Reviews and Specifications

In the early hours of November 26, 2011, at approximately 00:20 a.m., the cargo vessel 'Ever Strong' collided with the pilot boat 'Duhnen' in the estuary of the Elbe, specifically between Cuxhaven Scharhörn. Following the incident, the 'Duhnen' sustained significant damage and required assistance from the lifeboat 'Hermann Helms' to remain afloat. Reports indicated that the pilot boat experienced flooding in its bow and urgently called for pump support from the 'Hermann Helms,' dispatched from the DGzRS station in Cuxhaven. Eyewitness accounts suggested that the pilot boat was propelled into the hull of the 'Ever Strong' due to a wave that reached heights of up to four meters, accompanied by strong winds calculated at 9 Beaufort with gusts of 88 km/h. Fortunately, the crew of four on board 'Duhnen' escaped without injury, and the pilot was still able to board the freighter. Following the incident, the 'Ever Strong' proceeded to Hamburg, successfully docking at the Athabaska Quay at around 7 a.m. The 'Hermann Helms' played a pivotal role in stabilizing the damaged pilot boat, which had been compromised on its starboard side, with visible deck deformation and suspected further structural damage below the waterline. The listing of the vessel to starboard became problematic, with the main deck submerged to approximately half a meter above the water, a stark contrast to the usual two to three meters of clearance. Attempts to rectify the situation by introducing ballast water were unsuccessful. To ensure the safe return of the 'Duhnen,' the 'Hermann Helms' escorted it alongside the larger tender 'Elbe' and a police vessel back to Cuxhaven. Upon arrival at the new fishing port, the local fire brigade took charge of the pumping operations to mitigate the flooding.