What Crew Members Say About Helen-Bulker

On April 8, 2011, at approximately 2:30 p.m., the cargo vessel 'Luxury SW' found itself in a precarious situation while attempting a turning maneuver in the North Port of Kiel. This operation took place after the ship had recently loaded grain at a local silo and was preparing to set sail westward towards Mersin. During the turn, the vessel collided with the quay of the Bominflot bunker station, impacting with its bulbous bow that is typically submerged. The incident led to the release of a mixture of oil, believed to have been from wartime spills that had previously settled underwater. The combination of strong winds and choppy waters hampered recovery efforts for the escaped oil. By evening, the 'Luxury SW' continued its journey and was reported nearing Brunsbuettel.