The Galileo: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a navigational incident early on August 17, the Dutch inland tanker GALILEO ran aground in the Canal Gent Terneuzen, close to Sluiskil. The vessel was making its way to Terneuzen when it encountered difficulties and became stranded. As of 0630 UTC on August 18, efforts to dislodge the tanker were still ongoing, with the GALILEO remaining aground. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to ensure maritime safety in the region.

On August 2, authorities were compelled to halt traffic for 25 vessels navigating the Rhine as salvage operations took place on the tanker 'Galielo'. The vessel, which was transporting a total of 1,710 tons of sodium hydroxide, underwent a challenging operation where 300 tons of its cargo were lightered before it was successfully refloated. Once stabilized, the Galielo was towed to Loreley port, where the remainder of the hazardous cargo was transferred to another ship for safety. During this critical salvage effort, navigation was temporarily suspended at Bingen to ensure safety. Following these operations, the tanker set its course toward a repair yard in Moerdijk, with an expected arrival date of August 5.

In a maritime incident on August 2, 2017, the tanker 'Galileo' ran aground while journeying from Antwerp to Ludwigshafen. The vessel, carrying a hazardous cargo of 1,710 tons of sodium hydroxide, became stranded on a rocky outcrop in the Rhine at Geisenrück, situated between Oberwesel and St. Goar. The grounding occurred at approximately 4:45 a.m. Despite experiencing water ingress in the foreship and engine room, the crew acted swiftly to manage the situation. Fortunately, as the 'Galileo' is a double-hulled tanker, its cargo compartment remained unaffected. Shipping traffic in the vicinity was significantly impacted, leading to the closure of the left bank Rhine fairway at Geisenrück. Authorities, including the St. Goar water police and the master of the water and shipping office, promptly arrived at the scene. Experts were dispatched to assess the vessel's condition. Plans were initiated to lighter the tanker with the goal of towing it to Loreley port for unloading. As of now, the timeline for the tanker’s release remains uncertain, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the grounding has been launched. For further details, a German report is available with accompanying photographs: http://www.presseportal.de/blaulicht/pm/117717/3699331.