Discover the Nordwind: Ratings & Maritime News

On the evening of July 2, 2025, a harrowing incident unfolded on the Peenestrom when a 4.1-meter motorboat sank after coming dangerously close to the freighter 'Nordwind' while navigating near buoy PN 43. The 'Nordwind', which was on a route from Aalborg to Wolgast, encountered the charter boat carrying three individuals as it passed too close to the starboard side. The powerful bow wave created by the freighter caused the smaller vessel to capsize and ultimately sink. Fortunately, the three men aboard managed to swim to a nearby buoy, where they clung on until rescue. The incident prompted a swift response from local authorities, including the Wolgast Water Police, the Wolgast Fire Department, and the German Society for Rescue at Sea (DGzRS). In a remarkable act of assistance, the crew of another pleasure boat that witnessed the accident rescued the three men and transported them safely to Wolgast. Once ashore, they received medical attention for suspected hypothermia at a local hospital. In a troubling development, the skipper of the motorboat exhibited signs of alcohol consumption, and a preliminary breath test indicated a blood alcohol level of 0.86 per mille, leading to a blood sample being ordered for further analysis. Authorities have initiated an investigation to address concerns of endangering maritime traffic, as well as potential negligent bodily harm. The Wolgast Water Police are diligently continuing their inquiries into the incident. Efforts will soon commence to locate and recover the submerged motorboat, although initial searches by emergency services yielded no success.

On January 29, 2025, the freighter 'Nordwind' was subjected to a thorough inspection by the water police in Kiel while docked in Rendsburg. Investigations revealed that the vessel's ballast water treatment system had been inoperative since September 2024, resulting in illegal discharge of ballast water overboard via a bypass. Alarmingly, neither the vessel's flag state, its classification society, nor the loading and unloading ports had been notified about this malfunction. The investigation uncovered that approximately 719 cubic meters of ballast water had been unlawfully pumped into the port of Hamburg on three separate occasions. Following this revelation, the Authority for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture (BUKEA) in Hamburg ordered a security deposit of €44,238 against the Philippine Chief Engineer of the 'Nordwind'. Additionally, in the port of Wolgast, a further 508 cubic meters of ballast water was discharged over two different days. Consequently, the Wolgast Port Authority mandated a security deposit of €36,000 against the Chief Engineer, bringing the total to €80,238 in fines. During the inspections, several registration discrepancies were also uncovered, prompting the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) to recommend an additional security deposit of €528.50. The Ship Safety Department has been notified regarding these serious deficiencies, and reports documenting administrative offenses along with notifications to the flag state are currently being prepared. Further investigations into the matter are anticipated to follow, highlighting the ongoing efforts to uphold stringent maritime environmental regulations.

The bulk carrier Dione was involved in a collision while maneuvering for docking at Brake Port in Germany. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced in port operations. Eyewitness accounts and images from the scene have emerged, offering a glimpse into the event. For further updates on this situation, check out detailed photographs showcasing the aftermath of the incident. [Image 1](https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/big/1/7/0/3729071.jpg?cb=0) [Image 2](https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/big/2/7/0/3729072.jpg?cb=0)