Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Grande-Colonia

On the morning of January 20, 2026, the 'Grande Colonia', a vehicle carrier navigating from Tanger-Med, encountered a serious engine failure near Cape Gris-Nez, rendering it immobile and adrift. Despite the crew's attempts to rectify the issue, they were forced to drop anchor while waiting for towing arrangements to be made for transport to the Port of Flushing. The CROSS Gris-Nez, the concerned maritime rescue coordination center, activated the emergency tug 'VB Abeille Normandie' (IMO: 9442421) stationed in Boulogne-sur-Mer to prepare for potential assistance. Simultaneously, the tug 'Centaurus' (IMO: 9433755) was dispatched from Rotterdam by Grimaldi, though it was expected to reach the site the following day. As the night fell on January 20, adverse weather conditions caused the tug's anchor to drag, prompting CROSS Gris-Nez to deploy 'VB Abeille Normandie' for immediate aid. Additionally, the French Navy's Dauphin helicopter, based in Le Touquet, assisted by winching two crew members along with towing equipment onto the 'Grande Colonia'. By approximately 4:30 a.m. on January 21, 'VB Abeille Normandie' successfully secured a towing connection and held the vessel in place while awaiting the arrival of 'Centaurus'. The Rotterdam tug finally reached the scene around 12:30 p.m. but experienced two unsuccessful attempts to take over the tow. Eventually, by 4:00 p.m., the towing connection was reestablished, allowing 'VB Abeille Normandie' to release its towline, retrieve its crew, and head back to Boulogne-sur-Mer. The convoy departed from CROSS Gris-Nez by 11:30 p.m. and safely arrived in Flushing on January 22 at noon, where other tugs including 'VB Jade' (IMO: 9365142), 'VB Emerald' (IMO: 9314296), and 'VB Sterling' (IMO: 9120164) joined to escort the ship to Damen Shipyard for necessary repairs. For visuals of this maritime operation, visit: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ayq4xJrRJ/ and https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17tdhemqDN/

On January 18, 2020, the maritime community witnessed a critical emergency response when the 53-year-old captain of the ro-ro vessel 'Grande Colonia' required immediate medical attention. The ship was anchored at Valéncia's designated anchorage when the situation escalated early in the morning. At 12:30 a.m., the SAR helicopter Helimer 202, alongside a search and rescue boat, swiftly arrived at the scene to facilitate the medevac operation. The coordinated efforts of the CCS of Salvamento Maritímo ensured a timely transfer of the captain to the La Fe de València hospital for essential medical care. The 'Grande Colonia' had previously arrived from Civitavecchia on January 13, docking at 11:20 p.m. and anchoring at the geographical position of 39° 24.12' N, 000° 16.57' W.

On January 18, 2020, the master of the 'Grande Colonia', a 53-year-old male, was airlifted from the vessel while it was docked at the Valencia anchorage. The evacuation took place in the early hours, around 12:30 a.m., when the Helimer 202 helicopter and a boat from Salvamento Marítimo were dispatched to assist with the emergency. The master was subsequently transported to La Fe de València hospital for medical attention. The 'Grande Colonia', which had arrived from Civitavecchia on January 13 at 11:20 p.m., was anchored at coordinates 39° 24.12' N 000° 16.57' W at the time of the incident.

On April 12th at 5 PM, the car carrier Grande Colonia arrived at the Port of Vigo under the guidance of tugboats, having journeyed from Antwerp. The ship was forced to seek refuge after experiencing engine failure, the severity of which remains undetermined, leaving the duration of her stay at the Transatlantic Quay uncertain. Previously, Grande Colonia had encountered issues with her main engine while sailing from Portbury, Bristol, to Antwerp, facing mechanical challenges on April 5 and again on April 6. The vessel successfully docked in Antwerp on April 7 at 5 AM before departing again on April 9 at 12:15 AM. For further details, you can view the Spanish report with accompanying photographs at this link: http://www.farodevigo.es/gran-vigo/2018/04/12/buque-cochero-amarra-terminal-cruceros/1871542.html.

On April 5, 2018, the cargo vessel 'Grande Colonia' encountered electrical issues while navigating near Runnel Stone in position 49 57.638N, 005 42.250W, approximately five miles from the landmark. The vessel was in the process of switching fuel oil from the injection pump during its journey from Portbury, Bristol, to Antwerp, carrying a substantial load of 2,177 vehicles. At around 9 p.m., the crew conducted a test of the main engine to diagnose the problem. Repairs were successfully finalized by 9:15 p.m. However, trouble resurfaced on April 6 at 10 p.m., prompting further attention. After ensuring the necessary repairs were carried out, the Grande Colonia resumed its voyage at 11:15 p.m. The vessel ultimately arrived at Antwerp Euroterminal NV on April 7 at 5 a.m., safely completing its journey despite the technical challenges faced along the way.