Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Hnlms-Luymes

The HNLMS 'Luymes', alongside an NH90 helicopter, provided crucial escort to the stricken Russian submarine 'Novorossiysk- B 261' as it navigated through the North Sea on its way back to Russia. This operation unfolded as the Russian tug 'Yakov Grebelskiy', a Goryn-class vessel, was also under surveillance. The submarine was initially detected near Gibraltar on September 28, 2025, with the United States Navy confirming its presence in the region. Since then, 'Novorossiysk' had not submerged, raising concerns about a potential fuel tank leakage. On October 9, while traversing the Dutch coastline, the Royal Netherlands Navy continued to monitor the 74-meter submarine along with the 63-meter tugboat until they exited the Dutch Exclusive Economic Zone. Whether the tug was merely providing assistance or engaged in towing the submarine remains uncertain. The 'Novorossiysk', part of the 4th Separate Submarine Brigade of the Black Sea Fleet, encountered serious mechanical issues on September 26 during operations near Gibraltar. It was reported to be at risk of explosion and subsequently surfaced due to leaking fuel accumulating in the bilge. The crew faced a critical dilemma, ultimately opting to discharge the leaking fuel into the sea to avoid a catastrophic explosion, as they lacked both spare parts and qualified personnel for repairs. On October 9, a French Navy frigate was surveilling the submarine as it passed the coast of Brittany. The Russian Black Sea Fleet contended that 'Novorossiysk' was merely on a routine journey and remaining on the surface for safety reasons in the heavily trafficked English Channel. NATO, however, disputed these claims, asserting that the submarine was limping home after suffering a significant system failure that had led to diesel fuel leakage. With repairs out of reach, the crew had to surface, which, while risky, allowed them to expel the hazardous fuel into the ocean. The submarine had been adrift near Gibraltar, potentially requiring a Russian vessel for refueling in an emergency. It subsequently continued northward, tracked by naval forces from Spain, the USA, France, Belgium, Britain, and recently, the Netherlands. On October 13, 'Novorossiysk' entered the Skagerrak after being closely monitored by the German surveillance ship 'Oste' near Heligoland. The retirement of 'Novorossiysk' signals the absence of any Russian submarine in the Mediterranean, a stark contrast to the situation at the end of 2024 when Russia maintained an entire fleet in the region. The decline in Russia's naval capabilities is attributed to inadequate maintenance, logistical challenges, and heightened vulnerability to operational accidents.

On the evening of February 7, 2013, a swift and efficient medevac operation took place off the coast of Terschelling involving the KRRM lifeboat 'Arie Visser'. Responding to an urgent call, the lifeboat navigated approximately seven nautical miles to reach the survey ship 'Hr. Ms. Luymes'. During the operation, one crew member was safely transferred from the 'Arie Visser' to the naval vessel before both injured crew members were subsequently taken aboard the lifeboat. Following the successful transfer, the 'Arie Visser' made its way back to Terschelling, where the individuals received immediate medical attention from a waiting ambulance.

On February 14, 2011, the HNLMS Luymes, identified by IMO number 9271860, played a crucial role in assisting the Dutch fishing vessel Urk 33 following a serious collision with the Birka Transporter. This timely intervention from the Dutch Navy highlights the commitment of maritime forces to ensure the safety of all those at sea. For further details, you can visit the Dutch Ministry of Defence's report here: http://www.defensie.nl/marine/actueel/nieuws/2011/02/14/46178691/Marineschip_assisteert_na_aanvaring.

On February 14, 2011, the Dutch survey vessel Hr. Ms. Luymes (IMO number 9271860) played a crucial role in assisting the stricken fishing vessel Urk 33 following a collision with the cargo ship Birka Transporter. This timely intervention highlights the dedication of maritime rescue efforts in the region. For further details, you can refer to the official Dutch military report at http://www.defensie.nl/marine/actueel/nieuws/2011/02/14/46178691/Marineschip_assisteert_na_aanvaring.

On February 14, 2011, the Dutch survey vessel Hr. Ms. Luymes (IMO 9271860) played a crucial role in assisting the fishing vessel Urk 33, which sustained damage following a collision with the ship Birka Transpoter. This incident highlights the dedication and swift response of the Dutch Navy in maritime emergencies. For further details, you can read the official Dutch report: http://www.defensie.nl/marine/actueel/nieuws/2011/02/14/46178691/Marineschip_assisteert_na_aanvaring.